Japan moves to improve conditions for SDF personnel amid staff shortage

The government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) are stepping up efforts to improve the working conditions and benefits of Self-Defense Forces (SDF) personnel, as a staff shortage appears set to worsen. The move comes ahead of a planned revision to Japan’s three key national security and defense policy documents at the end of this year. As Japan’s birth rate continues to fall, the SDF is finding it increasingly difficult to recruit enough personnel.

Government and LDP officials are concerned that a shortage of staff could make it harder for Japan to strengthen its defense capabilities.