Political Neutrality: LDP, SDF Lack a Sense of Discipline

Editorial

17:41 JST, April 27, 2026

The Self-Defense Forces’ attendance at events organized by local governments or private organizations upon invitation to foster exchanges is welcomed. However, participating in a political party event is a completely different story.

One cannot help but be taken aback by an SDF member taking the stage at a gathering of the Party Convention — the Liberal Democratic Party’s supreme body — and leading the singing of the national anthem. This is a blunder that risks casting doubt on the SDF’s political neutrality.

A sergeant belonging to the Ground Self-Defense Force Central Band sang the national anthem at the LDP convention. Clad in uniform, the sergeant was introduced at the venue as “the GSDF’s proud soprano singer.” Many people probably got the impression that the sergeant was participating in the convention on behalf of the GSDF.

While opposition parties are criticizing it as political exploitation of the SDF, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi explained that the sergeant merely sang the national anthem and did not violate the Self-Defense Forces Law, which restricts political activities by SDF personnel.

The sergeant reportedly was asked to perform in a private capacity by an event planning company that the LDP asked to organize the convention. However, given that she was in uniform and was introduced as a GSDF member, it is unlikely she would be regarded as a private citizen.

The Constitution defines public officials as “servants of the whole community.” Members of the SDF, an armed organization, are national public servants in special service, and therefore their political activities are subject to even stricter restrictions under the law, with severe penalties in place. This is a reflection on the pre-war years, when the military obtained political power and acted unilaterally.

Even if singing at the party convention does not violate the law, if an SDF member makes politically tinged remarks or takes political actions, it is only natural that people would question whether the SDF is supporting a specific political party.

It is hard to understand how those in charge could have permitted the sergeant’s attendance at the convention.

The sergeant had consulted her superior in advance regarding whether she would be allowed to attend. When a senior GSDF officer inquired with the relevant department at the Defense Ministry, a ministry official is said to have replied that “it would not violate the Self-Defense Forces Law.” The chief of staff, the head of the GSDF, was also aware of her attendance at the convention.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi reportedly did not know of the sergeant’s attendance until the day of the convention, saying, “Had the information been reported to me, a different judgment may have been reached.” The ministry’s information-sharing system requires review.

Meanwhile, the LDP said it inquired with the ministry through the event planning company to confirm whether there were any issues with the SDF member’s participation. The party’s approach of leaving it entirely up to the company is far too irresponsible.

Given the deteriorating security environment, the government is expanding the defense budget through tax increases and other measures. The LDP, the Defense Ministry and the SDF must not forget that they are under close scrutiny from the public, whose tax burden is increasing.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 27, 2026)