Japan's Military Struggles to Recruit Women Amid Harassment Concerns

Despite pledges for reform, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces face declining female recruitment due to unresolved sexual harassment issues.

Recruitment of women in Japan's Self-Defense Forces dropped by 12% following a surge in harassment cases.
An independent panel's recommendation for a national review of anti-harassment training remains unimplemented.
Training sessions often trivialize the issue, focusing on communication rather than addressing harassment directly.
Victims report ineffective training and a culture that normalizes harassment, deterring new recruits.
Comparatively, women constitute 9% of Japan's military personnel versus 17% in the U.S.