Reference News Network December 23 report: According to Kyodo News, on December 22, the Japanese government held a ministerial meeting aimed at improving the treatment of Self-Defense Forces members at the Prime Minister's Official Residence. Prime Minister Takahashi Sanae issued instructions requiring the revision of the salary benchmark table to be completed by the 2027 fiscal year, one year earlier than originally planned. This move aims to increase the salaries of Self-Defense Forces members and address the issue of the continuous shortage of personnel compared to the set quotas.

Takahashi emphasized: "In the context of increasingly severe security environment, the government will spare no effort to take measures to ensure the presence of Self-Defense Forces personnel, which is a core element of the defense force."

The formal revision of the salary benchmark table for Self-Defense Forces members will be the first in the history of the Self-Defense Forces.

The report said that given the large number of Self-Defense Forces members retiring between the ages of 50 and 59, the government will also work to improve post-retirement support measures. The government plans to adjust the system during the regular session of the next National Diet to increase the level of "early retirement allowance." This is a separate allowance received by Self-Defense Forces members after they retire and re-employ.

Data from the Ministry of Defense showed that the official number of Self-Defense Forces members is approximately 247,000, while the actual staffing rate at the end of 2024 was 89.1%. The number of volunteers for Self-Defense Forces members in the 2025 fiscal year increased compared to the 2024 fiscal year. On December 22, Takahashi also instructed relevant ministers at the meeting to study and quickly implement new measures aimed at ensuring talent, including enhancing the social status of Self-Defense Forces members. (Translated by Ma Xiaoyun)

Original source: toutiao.com/article/7586947361679704603/

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