Hosted by SAME’s Japan Post, the recently held Japan Industry Forum strengthened partnerships in an increasingly important region.
On Dec. 8-10, 2025, the Japan Post convened the SAME Japan Industry Forum, which brought together government officials, members of the military, and industry professionals to focus on infrastructure readiness in one of the world’s most important and politically complex regions.
As power dynamics in the Indo-Pacific evolve, the U.S. military has placed increasing importance on both near- and long-term strategic planning in the region, emphasizing strong industry partnerships and the continued support of the critical U.S.-Japan defense alliance.
Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers – Japan Engineer District (JED) were among the over 400 government representatives and current and prospective regional contractors attending the event in Tokyo. Participants gathered to discuss real-world engineering and construction challenges in a trusted environment designed to encourage candid and open exchanges.
The JED team outlined its extensive responsibilities in the region, including anticipated MILCON projects in FY2026-FY2028 and the critical role industry partnerships play in meeting its ambitious goals.
Projects discussed included a 100,000-barrel JP-8 fuel storage tank at Yokota Air Base, a corrosion control hangar at Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, and a full mission flight simulator facility for the F-35 at Misawa Air Base in Aomori prefecture.
“The SAME Japan Industry Forum allows JED to engage with current and new contractors, while providing up and coming projects to spark industry interest,” explained Bach Nguyen, the Navy, Marine Corps, Defense Logistics Agency, and Environmental Branch Chief for the Programs and Project Management Division.
Beyond the presentations, daily briefings, and networking events, the forum stood as a testament to the importance of SAME’s ongoing mission as a facilitator between industry and government. The Japan Post was at the heart of this effort.
The forum also illustrated the increasing demand for Posts worldwide. In sensitive and strategically important regions, SAME’s Posts can serve as force multipliers, amplifying the Society’s impact by providing trusted connections, industry knowledge, and effective collaboration that brings industry and government together at the point of need.
Global Reach
Internationally, the need for the Society’s unique role as a professional nexus between government and industry has never been stronger. In recent years, SAME Field Chapters have been established in Australia, Italy, Poland, and Ukraine.
The Japan Industry Forum showcases how international collaboration supports the readiness mission everywhere, both abroad and at home. In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, SAME and its Post-led events, such as the Japan Industry Forum, provide continuity and connectivity for government, industry, and their host nation partners as they work together to accelerate collaboration in pursuit of national security.
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