Japan to Double Defense Budget, But Soldiers See Only a Slice

Japan plans to double its defense spending on equipment over the next five years. However, a new report shows that only a small part of this increase will go to the people who use it. According to government data, spending for weapons and platforms like ships and jets will rise sharply. Yet the budget for military personnel—salaries, recruitment, and training—is set to grow much more slowly. By 2027, the share of the total defense budget spent on manpower will fall to just 10%. This gap highlights a major challenge. Japan wants stronger armed forces to address regional security threats. But experts warn that modern equipment is useless without enough skilled soldiers to operate it. The current plan may struggle to attract and retain the necessary personnel. The government says it is aware of the issue. Officials have promised to improve working conditions and benefits for service members in the future. For now, the budget reveals a clear priority: buying new hardware first, building the human force later.