Shinya Takasaka

Col. Shinya Takasaka is a global affiliate visiting scholar at the Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center (Shorenstein APARC) for 2025-26. He graduated from the National Defense Academy (NDA) and has approximately 20 years of experience serving in the Japan Air Self Defense Force (Koku-Jietai). He primarily served as a pilot of the C-130H transport aircraft, and from 2023 to 2024, he held the position of squadron commander for the C-130H squadron. In addition, he worked at the Air Staff Office and the Joint Staff Office, where he was involved in the Defense Planning and Policy Division, Weapon Systems Programs Division, and the Joint Military Strategy Office. He also served as an instructor at the NDA and was seconded to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. While at APARC, he will study approaches to human resource development aimed at promoting innovation in the Koku-Jieiai.