The Maritime Traffic Safety and maritime security off the coasts of Japan were in a seriously aggravated condition immediately after World War ??,calling for the establishment of a strong and rational coastal guard system to deal with these issues.JCG was established as an external bureau of the Ministry of Transport in 1948 in order to protect human life and property off the coast of Japan,and to maintain maritime security and safety .

Ever since its establishment,JCG has been engaged in activities for protection of maritime safety and security ,such as Guard and Rescue,Hydrographic and Oceanographic activities,and maintenance and operation of aids to navigation,while strengthening and improving its structure,human resources and equipment.Furthmore,by enhancing its equimpent with patrol vessels with the helicopter and aircraft in 1982,JCG became able to flexibly carry out monitoring and control as well as search and rescue operations in much broader sea areas.

JCG became an external bureau of Ministry of Land, Infrastructure,and Transport in January 2001,following the reorganization of the central government ministries and agencies.