COL Taishi Sonoda (Japan Ground Self-Defense Force) is a Visiting Fellow with the Japan Program at the Stimson Center. Prior to joining the fellowship, COL Sonoda was assigned as the Chief of the Training Division, Plans, Operations, and Training Department at the JGSDF Northern Army Headquarters in Sapporo, Hokkaido. His previous posts include the Operations Support Division, Operations Support and Training Department, Ground Staff Office; Strategic Planning Division, Ministry of Defense; and the 11^th Antiaircraft Artillery Company. COL Sonoda holds a Bachelor of Applied Physics from the National Defense Academy (Class #47) in Yokosuka, Japan. He is also a graduate of the Command and General Staff Course at the JGSDF Staff College as well as the Regular Course at the National Institute for Defense Studies.