Japan’s military struggles to recruit women following series of harassment cases [Video]

• Japan’s military is facing challenges in recruiting women despite pledges to increase their representation.
• Instances of sexual harassment have led to a decrease in female applicants for the Self-Defence Forces.
• Women represent only 9% of military personnel in Japan compared to 17% in the U.S.

As Japan embarks on a major military build-up, it’s struggling to fill its ranks with the women that its forces need, and its policymakers have pledged to recruit.

Following a wave of sexual harassment cases, the number of women applying to join the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) decreased by 12% in the year ending March 2023, after several years of steady growth. Some victims have said an entrenched culture of harassment could deter women from signing up.

But nine months after the defense ministry pledged to take drastic measures, it has no plans to take action on a key recommendation issued by an independent panel of experts – implementing a national system for …