Overview
- A Ground Self-Defense Force soprano sang Japan’s national anthem in uniform at the ruling LDP’s annual convention in Tokyo, drawing scrutiny over SDF political neutrality.
- Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said the appearance did not violate the Self-Defense Forces Act because she attended in a personal capacity and singing the anthem is not a political act.
- Koizumi said he had not been informed in advance and pledged to tighten internal reporting within the Defense Ministry.
- LDP executive Koichi Hagiuda said a booking company proposed the singer and that checks with the company and the Defense Ministry indicated no problem.
- Opposition figures, including leaders of the Democratic Party for the People and Komeito, warned parties should not use uniformed SDF members in partisan settings under rules that limit political activity to voting.