L' escalation delle tensioni con la Cina fa pressione sul Giappone per aumentare le forze militari in mezzo al sentimento pacifista
Giappone, una nazione ufficialmente pacifista dalla sua sconfitta nella Seconda Guerra Mondiale, sta affrontando sfide nel modernizzare le sue forze armate, note come Forze di Autodifesa del Giappone (SDF). Le SDF mirano a migliorare le condizioni per i loro truppe e aumentare i loro numeri, ma il reclutamento e i vincoli di bilancio si stanno rivelando ostacoli significativi.
Nel 2023, le SDF miravano ad assumere quasi 20.000 nuovi dipendenti. Tuttavia, a causa di vari fattori, sono riusciti a reclutare solo la metà di quel numero. Il basso tasso di reclutamento può essere attribuito a una combinazione di fattori, tra cui i compiti pericolosi, la bassa retribuzione e un'età pensionabile giovane di circa 56 anni che scoraggiano i giovani reclute giapponesi.
Despite these challenges, the Japanese government has been increasing its military spending. In 2023, Japan boosted its defense expenditure and aims to make it two percent of its gross domestic product by the end of the 2027 fiscal year. This increased funding is gradually making troops' lives better through various upgrades, including air conditioning, cleaner bathrooms, and more privacy in dormitories.
However, the Japanese government has been using old tanks and jets for parts to repair newer equipment due to budget constraints. This has resulted in issues with a lack of bullets and basic supplies for the troops before the increase in defense expenditure.
Japanese troops, such as Hiyane, a 19-year-old former high school badminton player, are joining the SDF with a desire to help victims of natural disasters and contribute to their country. Despite the government's defense push, Japanese citizens have traditionally kept their distance from the subject, with some still carrying bitter memories of the nation's militarist past.
The geopolitical landscape is another factor complicating recruitment. Japan fears a potential conflict with the United States over China's possible forceful takeover of Taiwan. Tokyo wants a beefed-up military in southwestern regions such as Okinawa, which is home to a majority of US military facilities in Japan and strategically important for monitoring China, the Taiwan Strait, and the Korean peninsula.
The SDF is seeking a wide range of personnel for roles in cybersecurity, space defense, electromagnetic warfare, intelligence work, and other areas. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has stated that increasing SDF numbers is a top priority given Japan's worsening security environment. Ryoichi Oriki, the former head of the Joint Staff of the SDF, expressed a desire for "greater understanding among the public about the reality of national defense".
Despite the geopolitical turbulence, new recruits in the field are excited about launching their military careers and feel they have grown through their initial training. Despite the low recruitment rate, the SDF continues to strive for improvement and understanding, hoping to attract more young Japanese to serve their country in these challenging times.
