Japan’s Ex-Navy Chief Joins NPS as First International Fellow

MONTEREY, Calif. — In a historic appointment, the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) has welcomed retired Admiral Ryo Sakai as its first International Fellow. Sakai, the former Chief of Staff of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), brings a wealth of naval experience and strategic insight to the institution.

Admiral Sakai’s tenure at the JMSDF marked him as a distinguished leader in the maritime defense sector. His newly assumed role as an International Fellow at NPS underscores a commitment to strengthening global maritime alliances. The school anticipates that his presence will bolster international collaborations and intellectual exchange.

The addition of Adm. Sakai to the faculty reflects NPS’s strategic goals of fostering international education and research. This innovative fellowship is expected to open new avenues in maritime defense studies and foster stronger ties between the United States and Japan. Such academic partnerships are pivotal in addressing contemporary security challenges and shaping future naval strategies.