"Born in Sapporo, Japan, and raised in Bucharest, Romania, I, Takase Aoyama, earned a Bachelor's degree in International Relations from the National Defense Academy of Japan and a Master's in Public Policy from The University of Tokyo. My career includes service in the Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan (2015-2016) and a role in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dealing with China (2019-2021). From 2021 to 2023, I studied Mandarin and Maritime Policy at Ocean University of China.

My professional focus is on maritime and economic security in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly US-Japan-China relations. Outside of work, I am a devoted husband with a passion for cooking, tennis, cycling, and hiking. My diverse background and interests have shaped my expertise in international relations and policy."

Concentration: Politics and Security

Hometown: Sapporo, Japan

Academic Background: Bachelor of Social Sciences, National Defense Academy of Japan / Master of Public Policy, Graduate School of Public Policy, The University of Tokyo