Toshio Nawa Appointed as CTO of Nihon Cyber Defence to Lead Japan’s Sovereign Cyber Security Platform Development

TOKYO, JAPAN – [May 8, 2025] Nihon Cyber Defence (NCD) (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, CEO: Cartan McLaughlin), a company pioneering sovereign cyber technology in Japan, today announced the appointment of Toshio Nawa as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) — a pivotal step in strengthening Japan’s national cyber defence.

A former Cabinet Secretariat advisor and one of Japan’s most trusted authorities in cyber security, Nawa will lead the design and build of NCD’s next-generation platform: a fully Japan-built solution, aligned to domestic laws, and purpose-engineered for Japan’s unique threat landscape — from critical infrastructure to regional enterprises.

His appointment marks a national inflection point — moving sovereign defence from concept to capability.

Purpose of Appointment

A National Milestone in Japan’s Cyber Readiness

As cyber threats intensify and geopolitical tensions increase, sovereign digital defence has become a strategic imperative for Japan. Under Nawa’s leadership, NCD will develop a platform governed under Japanese law, hosted entirely on domestic infrastructure, and architected to defend against threats that specifically target Japanese systems — from state-linked threat actors to ransomware disrupting vital supply chains.

Nawa’s decision to join NCD underscores the growing national momentum behind homegrown solutions that reflect Japan’s values, legal frameworks, and operational realities.

“Japan cannot continue relying on tools built for other nations. Our laws, our threats, and our cultural context are different — and our cyber defences must be too. NCD is not just building another tool. It is building capability. True cyber defence must be grounded in the laws, principles, and realities of the nation it protects. That is why I chose to join this mission.”

— Toshio Nawa

“After seven years as an advisor, Nawa’s fulltime employment is a milestone for me personally given that he attended the inaugural dinner where I announced NCD’s formation.”

“Nawa’s decision to join NCD is also a defining moment for our company and for Japan. It signals that our country is ready to take the lead in securing its digital future with solutions built in Japan. This marks a new chapter in national cyber capability. It will be led by Japanese experts, aligned with policy, and focused on enabling long-term digital sovereignty.”

— Cartan McLaughlin, Founder & CEO

Toshio Nawa

Toshio Nawa is one of Japan’s most respected cyber security experts. He is known for shaping national cyber defence policy and operational readiness. As a former member of the Cabinet Office’s Space Security Subcommittee, he has been fundamental in establishing frameworks for public–private collaboration, active defence, and critical infrastructure protection. He has served as:

Officer in the Japan Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces
Director and Senior Researcher at the Cyber Defense Institute
Senior Executive Advisor to the Japan Cybersecurity Innovation Committee (JCIC)

Across these roles, he has influenced how Japan builds, governs, and protects its digital infrastructure.

Looking Ahead

With Nawa’s leadership, NCD is entering a new phase of development. The company is architecting a sovereign platform designed to safeguard the systems Japan depends on. Built for integration through domestic MSSPs and security providers, the platform will support the needs of public utilities, finance, manufacturing, and the SMBs that keep Japan’s economy running.