noun
Official title for the head of Japan's Ministry of Defense. Used in government and news contexts.
国防大臣が記者会見を開いた。
The Minister of Defense held a press conference.
防衛大臣 is the current official title for Japan's defense minister, while 国防大臣 is an older or alternative term sometimes used in historical or comparative contexts.
Compound of 国防 (national defense) and 大臣 (minister).