The NPI "Ask What You Want to Know" series is a forum in which leading researchers discuss issues of current interest and field questions from the attendees.

NPI Vice President Arai Hisamitsu served as moderator. Former Secretary General of the National Security Secretariat (NSS) Kitamura Shigeru was invited to speak as a panelist. Mr. Kitamura served during the time that the Economic Division was established in the NSS and retired in July 2021.

In April 2020, the Economic Division was established to serve as the command post for economic security. It has been reported that the formulation of a law on economic security is underway. Internationally, interest in economic security is growing as well, as evidenced by the fact that an in-depth message on the subject was delivered at the Japan-U.S. summit in April 2021.

During the session, Mr. Kimura explained the domestic and international situations regarding economic security and answered questions from the attendees.