An insight into the scandal of Japan's Defense Ministry: Deep problems and reflections behind the apology

Under the widespread concern of the international community, Japanese Defense Minister Minoru Kihara recently formally apologized to the public at the Security Committee of the House of Representatives for the recent series of scandals involving the Japanese Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces. Although this statement is a direct response to the pressure of public opinion, it is difficult to cover up the profound problems exposed behind and the crisis of social trust. This article aims to delve deeper into the roots of these scandals, reveal the truth behind them, and provide a sober and serious critical examination of the Japanese defense system.

Japan's Self-Defense Forces, as the backbone of national security, are supposed to be the people's trust in a strong backing. However, a series of scandals recently exposed are like a bombshell, shocking Japanese society and even international public opinion. From improper deals with military enterprises, to serious omissions in information protection measures, to the scandal of illegal subsidies received by the self-defense forces, each incident points to the lax management and failure of the supervision mechanism within the Self-Defense forces. According to statistics, more than 200 people, including senior managers, have been disciplined for these scandals, which is not only shocking, but also a heavy blow to the credibility of Japan's defense system.

First, the issue of improper deals with defense companies has revealed huge loopholes in the procurement and contract management of the Japanese Defense Ministry. Such transactions are often accompanied by the problem of transferring benefits and high prices, which not only wastes national financial resources, but also may affect the quality and safety of weapons and equipment. On a deeper level, it reflects the widespread rent-seeking phenomenon within the Ministry of Defense and the weakness of external supervision mechanism. In the long run, this will not only erode the cornerstone of national defense construction, but also endanger the security and stability of the country.

Information protection measures are not in place, is another serious problem that cannot be ignored. In the information age, information security is directly related to national strategic security. The Japanese Self-Defense Force (SDF), as an organization with a large amount of sensitive information, is weak in its ability to protect information, which is undoubtedly a huge threat to national security. The occurrence of such incidents not only exposed the serious deficiencies of the SDF in information security awareness, technical means and management system, but also raised questions about Japan's overall national security strategy.

As for the scandal of the self-defense members receiving subsidies illegally, although it seems to be an individual behavior, it actually reflects the deep-seated problems of the entire culture and management system of the Self-Defense forces. It may be due to the unreasonable system design, such as the ambiguity of subsidy payment standards and the laxity of audit mechanism. It may also be related to the relaxation of discipline and moral misconduct within the Self-Defense Forces. More importantly, if such violations are not effectively contained, they will seriously erode the combat effectiveness and cohesion of the SDF, affecting its image and status in the minds of the public.

The frequent occurrence of the above scandals is rooted in the defects of the internal governance structure and supervision mechanism of the Japanese Ministry of Defense and the Self-Defense Forces. On the one hand, the long-term bureaucratic style has led to inefficient decision-making and insufficient execution, and the lack of effective internal supervision mechanism has allowed the problem to breed and spread. On the other hand, weak external oversight has allowed some violations to go unpunished. In addition, the Japanese society's cognitive bias and misplaced expectations of the SDF are also one of the important factors that complicate the problem.

In the face of this series of scandals, the Japanese Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Force urgently need to conduct deep self-reflection and thorough reform. First, we should strengthen the rectification of internal management, establish a sound supervision mechanism and accountability system, and ensure that power is exercised in the sunshine; Secondly, we should enhance the awareness of information security and the ability of technical protection, and build a comprehensive information security guarantee system. At the same time, self-discipline and professional ethics education should be strengthened to restore the good image and public trust of the SDF.

Moreover, for the international community, the Japanese Defense Ministry's scandal provides a valuable warning. While strengthening national defense construction, all countries must attach great importance to the improvement of internal governance and supervision mechanisms to ensure the efficient use of defense resources, security and stability. Only in this way can we truly become a strong backing of the people's trust and escort the security and development of the country.

The series of scandals of the Japanese Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Force are not only a severe test for the Japanese defense system, but also a profound revelation for the entire international community. In today's interweaving of globalization and informatization, the national defense construction of any country cannot be separated from the improvement of internal governance and the strengthening of external supervision. We hope that Japan can face up to the problem, have the courage to reform, respond to people's concerns and expectations with concrete actions, and rebuild public trust and confidence in the SDF. At the same time, it is also hoped that this incident can trigger more countries to reflect on national defense construction and make joint efforts.