Japan's self-defence forces struggle amid severe recruitment crisis
The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) are grappling with a severe problem: a chronic shortage of personnel, reports Nikkei Asia. Last year, the number of new recruits joining the JSDF was barely more than half the planned number, the worst result in history.
The Japanese Ministry of Defence stated that in fiscal year 2023, which ends March 31, only 9,959 people joined the Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). Meanwhile, they planned to hire as many as 19,598 recruits.
Japanese people do not want to join the military
The Ministry points out that there are many factors behind the low recruitment rate. Firstly, Japan's low birth rate, and secondly, strong competition from the private sector.
Additionally, potential recruits "have a more realistic perception of the threat of war due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the potential outbreak of armed conflict in Taiwan," reports "Asahi Shimbun." Ministry officials also emphasize that issues related to harassment and sexual scandals, which have been recorded since 2010, affect the situation.
Although Japan formally does not have a military due to its pacifist constitution, the Japan Self-Defense Forces, established in 1946, are currently recognized as one of the military powers. The country's defence budget for the 2024 fiscal year is 7.95 trillion yen (approx. $57.6 billion CAD).
According to data, the Japan Self-Defense Forces, which rely on voluntary enlistment, are expected to have 247,154 soldiers at the end of the fiscal year. However, media reports indicate that the JSDF faces a personnel shortage of about 20,000 people.
Since 2014, the JSDF has not been able to meet its recruitment targets, prompting it to employ various tactics to attract potential new recruits. Currently, increasing salaries and benefits for soldiers are being considered.
