Pacifist Japan Faces Challenges in Boosting Military Troops Amid Growing Concerns Over China
Japan, officially pacifist since its defeat in World War II, struggles with recruitment for its armed forces as it increases military spending and faces pressure from Washington.
As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of World War II, Japan grapples with the challenge of boosting its military strength despite its long-standing pacifist stance.
Tokyo has begun to increase its military spending, aiming for two percent of its gross domestic product by the end of the 2027 fiscal year, in response to growing anxieties over China's territorial ambitions and the potential threat to Taiwan, a self-governed island claimed by China that could draw the United States into conflict.
However, convincing young Japanese to enlist has proven difficult due to factors such as dangerous duties, low pay, and a relatively early retirement age for military personnel.
The nation’s low birth rate, shrinking population, and tight labor market further complicate recruitment efforts, leaving approximately 10 percent of the force's 250,000 positions unfilled.
Despite these challenges, Japan continues to pursue its defense objectives, with the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) aiming to recruit more diverse personnel across various fields such as cybersecurity, space defense, and intelligence work.
However, public perception remains divided on this issue, reflecting historical sensitivities related to Japan's past militarism and the constitution that renames the SDF as a formal military.
Tokyo has begun to increase its military spending, aiming for two percent of its gross domestic product by the end of the 2027 fiscal year, in response to growing anxieties over China's territorial ambitions and the potential threat to Taiwan, a self-governed island claimed by China that could draw the United States into conflict.
However, convincing young Japanese to enlist has proven difficult due to factors such as dangerous duties, low pay, and a relatively early retirement age for military personnel.
The nation’s low birth rate, shrinking population, and tight labor market further complicate recruitment efforts, leaving approximately 10 percent of the force's 250,000 positions unfilled.
Despite these challenges, Japan continues to pursue its defense objectives, with the Japan Self-Defense Forces (SDF) aiming to recruit more diverse personnel across various fields such as cybersecurity, space defense, and intelligence work.
However, public perception remains divided on this issue, reflecting historical sensitivities related to Japan's past militarism and the constitution that renames the SDF as a formal military.
