Japan plans to establish an agency to support retired military personnel
Japan is considering establishing a specialized agency to support former Self-Defense Forces personnel and their families as early as fiscal year 2027. The initiative is being promoted by Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, according to The Japan Times.
In June, Koizumi launched an internal review of the current support system. He instructed officials to explore options for expanding it and establishing a single coordination center. According to the publication, the Japanese Ministry of Defense plans to include the related expenses in the budget request for fiscal year 2027, which is expected at the end of August.
The proposed body may be tentatively named the Agency for Support of Former Self-Defense Forces Personnel and Their Families. It is intended to consolidate functions currently spread across several departments within the ministry and serve as a single advisory center for veterans transitioning to civilian life.
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Possible areas of focus include raising the social status of veterans’ families, reviewing the system of post-service benefits, assisting wounded service members, and facilitating their reintegration into society. According to Koizumi, it is necessary to create conditions under which former Self-Defense Forces personnel and their families can live with pride.
The agency’s status will allow a commissioner to be appointed as its head, which could potentially strengthen coordination with other government agencies and help ensure more stable funding. The ministry hopes that more reliable support after completion of service will make a military career more attractive amid difficulties in recruiting and retaining personnel.
In fiscal year 2025, the Self-Defense Forces recruited more than 11,000 personnel—a 14.9% increase from the previous year. At the same time, some analysts expect their numbers to decline by 10–15% over the next decade due to the demographic crisis. While developing the model for the new agency, the Japanese ministry is studying the experiences of the United States, Australia, and South Korea, where separate organizations provide support to veterans in the areas of medical care, employment, and housing.
