The Japanese government aims to significantly increase the number of women in the military by the mid-2030s. Currently, only 9% of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces are women, but the government wants to raise that to 13% by March 2036. This goal comes after a publicized scandal of sexual assault within the military, where a former soldier shared her story on YouTube after an internal investigation was dropped. The Defense Ministry plans to promote active involvement of female personnel and balance professional and private life. They are also improving facilities for women within the military, such as toilets, baths, and dedicated spaces in every garrison and base, as well as on ships.
The move to increase the number of women in the Self-Defense Forces is part of a larger effort to diversify perspectives and enhance missions like disaster relief operations. Japan is increasing its military spending and recruitment efforts amidst concerns about China’s territorial ambitions in the region. However, challenges remain, including dangerous missions, low salaries, and a declining birth rate in Japan. Currently, around 10% of military positions are vacant due to recruitment difficulties and demographic trends.
Compared to other NATO member countries and their partners, the proportion of women in the military is higher on average. In 2022, women accounted for over 12% of military personnel, up from just over 10% in 2014. In the United States, around 18% of recruits in 2023 were women, according to the Defense Ministry. Increasing the representation of women in the Self-Defense Forces is seen as a way to bring greater diversity of perspectives to missions, especially those involving direct interaction with the public, like disaster relief operations.
