Japan's military struggles with record-low recruitment numbers

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 Defense 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.

The Ministry points out that many factors behind the low recruitment rate are Japan's low birth rate and 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 possible 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 defense budget for the 2024 fiscal year is 7.95 trillion yen (approx. $57.6 billion).

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 been unable to meet its recruitment targets, prompting it to employ various tactics to attract potential recruits. Currently, increasing salaries and benefits for soldiers are being considered.