Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged Sunday to improve the treatment and working conditions of Self-Defense Forces members tasked with serving in an increasingly challenging security climate.
During a roundtable with young personnel at a district-level command of the Maritime Self-Defense Force in Kyoto Prefecture, Ishiba said, “We must treat you appropriately as you strive to carry out your duties regardless of the risks.”
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba (background, L) meets with young Maritime Self-Defense Force personnel at the force’s regional command in Maizuru, Kyoto Prefecture, on May 25, 2025. (Pool photo)(Kyodo) ==Kyodo
His remarks came days after a revised law, which includes new and enhanced allowances for SDF members, was enacted on Wednesday. Ishiba’s Cabinet, formed last October, has been aiming to tackle a serious shortage of recruits.
Recently, public trust in the SDF has been hit by a series of scandals including sexual abuse that have emerged at a time when the government is trying to significantly boost the nation’s defense capabilities in response to a deteriorating geopolitical environment.
In his address to the personnel, Ishiba said the government “will thoroughly safeguard our country’s independence and peace,” referring to China’s maritime assertiveness, North Korea’s ballistic missile launches and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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AloJapan.com