"Only Poor Kids Join the Self-Defense Forces" – LDP Senator's Remarks Spark Nationwide Backlash

(Tokyo, April 18 — Reporter Tai Ya-chen) Koga Chikage, a member of Japan's Constitutional Democratic Party in the House of Councillors, sparked strong political and public backlash after stating during a parliamentary inquiry that 'children facing economic hardship are the ones who join the Self-Defense Forces.' Although Koga subsequently retracted her remarks and issued a public apology, the controversy continues to escalate. Senior party officials were forced to apologize, and a Self-Defense Forces recruitment group issued a formal protest, demanding Koga provide a public explanation and further apology.

According to the Sankei Shimbun, Koga made the remarks on the 15th during a Budget Committee session in the House of Councillors, questioning the Defense Ministry's distribution of a children's defense education pamphlet titled 'Easy to Understand! Japan's Defense' to certain elementary schools.

Drawing on her experience as a former teacher, she stated, 'Many of my former students are now serving in the Self-Defense Forces. They endure many hardships. But I want people to understand: the children who join the Self-Defense Forces are mostly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds; children from wealthy families typically do not enlist.' She immediately added, 'I'm sorry, that was inappropriate. I take it back,' and apologized on the spot.

She also pointed out that the pamphlet includes content about North Korea, China, and Russia, questioning, 'There are also children from North Korea, China, and Russia in schools. Could this material cause psychological harm to them? Was this considered when creating the content?'

In response, Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba replied, 'Rather than first worrying about whether neighboring countries' feelings are hurt, I believe your remarks show a lack of consideration for the children of Self-Defense Forces personnel. Their children also attend school.'

Koga again retracted her statement and apologized. She later posted an apology on social media platform X.

However, the incident did not subside.

Yamamoto Toshitake, leader of the Democratic Party for the People, harshly criticized Koga at a press conference, stating her remarks 'insulted approximately 260,000 Self-Defense Forces members, Defense Ministry staff, and their families nationwide.' He emphasized that Self-Defense Forces personnel, even when subjected to inappropriate criticism from politicians, cannot publicly respond, so lawmakers must be more cautious in their speech.

Several politicians with Self-Defense Forces backgrounds also expressed dissatisfaction. Kasajima Yusuke, a former commander in the Ground Self-Defense Force's education unit and current LDP member of the House of Representatives, stated that Koga's remarks damaged the dignity and pride of young people aspiring to become SDF members, current personnel, and their families.

Sato Masahisa, a former Self-Defense Forces officer known as the 'Bearded Captain' and former LDP member of the House of Councillors, noted that he had once been forced to decline university admission due to financial hardship. 'I don't entirely dismiss what Koga may have intended to convey, but such labeling is absolutely unacceptable,' he said.

He emphasized that it is impossible for everyone to join the SDF solely for economic reasons. Reducing the motivation to 'poverty' is a one-sided and disrespectful view that insults those who serve the nation with a sense of honor, and it must not be tolerated.

Under public pressure, Saeki Yoshihiro, head of the CDP's Diet Affairs Committee, announced that Koga had received an internal party 'severe warning.' CDP leader Mizuoka Shunichi publicly apologized on the 17th, acknowledging the remarks lacked respect for SDF personnel, their families, and related individuals, and stated he felt deep responsibility as party leader.

The Okinawa Prefectural Self-Defense Forces Recruitment Advisors' Association also sent Koga a formal protest letter. The group stated that Koga's remarks reflected unrealistic bias and even discrimination, demanding she clearly apologize again in a public setting.

The protest letter emphasized that motivations for joining the SDF are diverse, including a sense of mission to protect the nation, ideals of disaster relief, professional technical training, and aspirations to serve society—factors that should not be reduced to economic circumstances. The group also expressed concern that such remarks could deepen societal misconceptions about the SDF and negatively impact recruitment efforts. (Editor: Tang Pei-chun) 1150618