Japan's first-ever international defense trade show kicked off in Yokohama on Wednesday, attracting more than 100 exhibitors as the country aims to ramp up its global security role.

In opening remarks at the three-day MAST Asia 2015 defense conference on maritime security at Pacifico Yokohama convention center, former defense minister Satoshi Morimoto stressed the importance of establishing a system of maritime governance.

"I suppose most participants here would share the view that the Asia-Pacific region is the center of world growth," Morimoto told the audience, which included high-ranking military officials from a number of countries.