Japan's Self-Defense Forces Take Another Step Toward "Normal Militaryization"
According to a report by Yomiuri Shimbun on April 25: The Japanese government has decided to revise the rank titles used by Self-Defense Forces officers. The highest-ranking military commander in the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces—currently known as "Mokuryō-chō"—will now be called "Taishō" (General), while other generals will be referred to as "Chūshō" (Major General). First-class Captain ("1-dai-sa") will be renamed "Daisa" (Senior Captain). This marks the first such change since the establishment of the Self-Defense Forces in 1954.
Due to its non-conventional status as a "non-military force," the Self-Defense Forces have historically used terminology different from that of other countries' armed forces, but now face a significant turning point.
Multiple government officials revealed that the Japanese government plans to submit amendments to the Self-Defense Forces Act and other related bills to Parliament within this fiscal year. The goal is to create an environment where Self-Defense Forces personnel can work with honor and pride, and to strengthen recruitment and manpower retention.
The government aims to reclassify ranks—excluding the "Jun-i" (Warrant Officer) rank—by renaming "Hyo" to "Shōshō" (Brigadier General), "Ni-sa" to "Chūsa" (Major), "San-sa" to "Shōsa" (Captain), and "Ichi-i" to "Dai-i" (Captain First Class). The rationale is that the original numbering system made it difficult for the public to distinguish which of "1-sa" or "2-sa" held a higher rank.
On the other hand, based on feedback from active-duty Self-Defense Forces members, the current designations "Cho" and "Shi" will remain unchanged. It is reportedly feared that renaming them to "Gunkō" (Sergeant) and "Nidōhei" (Private Second Class) might evoke negative associations with the old Imperial Japanese Army.
In last year's coalition agreement, both the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito explicitly stated: "International standardization of the Self-Defense Forces will be implemented by the end of 2026," including standardizing military branch terminology.
Although there was initial discussion within the ruling party to rename "Futsūka" (General Service) to "Hōhei-ka" (Infantry), and "Mokuryō" to "Sōmu" (Staff), the current names have been retained, indicating a cautious approach toward change.
In addition to revising the Self-Defense Forces Act, changes will also require updates to the Defense Minister's Salary Act and various government regulations and ministerial ordinances, a process that could take several years.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863404245118986/
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