Japanese Polling Data Shows Record Levels of Support for JSDF and US Alliance
A new Japanese government poll of adult opinion showed the highest level of support for JSDF expansion since the Cabinet Office began collecting data on public support for the measure in 1991. 53% of respondents expressed support for the current strength of the JSDF while 41.5% responded the JSDF should be expanded further – significantly more than the 29.1% which supported expansion during the previous survey in 2018.
Additionally, over 90% of respondents expressed a positive view of the self defense forces. Despite ongoing recruitment issues and high-profile scandals involving sexual harassment within the JSDF, the youngest age groups surveyed (18-29) expressed the greatest support with 93.5% holding a positive view of the JSDF.
The polling also found significant public interest in defense issues in and outside the region. Top concerns included North Korean nuclear and missile developments (69%), Japanese military capabilities (64%), Chinese military modernization and activities around Japan (61%), and Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine (52%).
A record high 86.2% of respondents also indicated concern over Japan becoming embroiled in a war and a record 89.7% stated that they believe the US-Japan Security Treaty benefits Japanese peace and security.
The most recent survey reflects the fading of pacifism within Japan as public memory of World War Two continues to decline and concerns over the threat posed to Japanese and regional security continues to grow. The shock of the invasion of Ukraine resulted in a significant expansion of public support for defense in Japan much as it did in Europe.
Japanese media has even reported a slow but steady shift in attitude towards US bases in Okinawa. The inconvenient US military installations, which are currently in the process of receiving more modern aircraft and are being bolstered by a greater JSDF presence, are now increasingly seen as necessary by Okinawans. Moreover, while opposition remains strong among the elder generations, polling now suggests that opposition to the US presence is a minority view for those under sixty. According to Japanese media, only 25% of Okinawans under 40 believe that the concentration of US military installations in Okinawa is “unfair” to the prefecture.