As the world commemorates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Japan, which embraced a pacifist approach since its defeat in that war, is seeking to expand its military ranks to counter Chinese ambitions; however, it faces difficulties in recruiting soldiers.

In 2023, Japan began increasing its defense budget aiming to reach 2 percent of GDP by 2027-2028; meanwhile, the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump urged it to go further in its efforts.

Tokyo fears that Beijing might attempt to take Taiwan by force, which could draw the Japanese military into conflict alongside Washington.

Takuma Hiyani, a 19-year-old who joined the army after graduating from school in March, especially hopes to help victims of natural disasters in his new duties.

The trainee soldier told AFP: “I told myself this is a job that allows me to help my country and be proud of that,” avoiding sensitive questions about national defense.

Hiyani and his comrades endure the sweltering summer heat training in a field in Okinawa, the Japanese island that serves as the frontline defense of the archipelago, hiding behind small grassy hills as they advance toward a virtual enemy.

The young man explained: “The training is tough and requires high physical fitness; but I am used to that because I played sports at school. What I find exhausting and stressful is using a firearm.”

In 2023, authorities hoped to recruit 20,000 personnel but barely reached half that number, according to the Ministry of Defense. As a result, the military is short by 10 percent of its planned strength of 250,000 personnel.

Tokyo aims to strengthen its military capabilities in the southwestern regions such as Okinawa, a strategic site for monitoring China, the Taiwan Strait, and the Korean Peninsula.

Officials and military experts say the risky nature of the work, modest salaries, and early retirement around age 56 discourage young people from volunteering.

Recruitment is further complicated by declining birth rates and demographic decline in the country.

Kazuyuki Shiory, a member of an infantry battalion in Okinawa, hopes increased military spending will “improve soldiers’ working conditions,” with better air conditioning, enhanced social benefits, and greater privacy in sleeping quarters.

Shiory said: “We are looking for a wide range of qualifications because national security conditions have become diverse, ranging from cybersecurity to space defense, electronic warfare, and of course intelligence work.”

Given the security situation, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba announced in June that expanding the Self-Defense Forces is an absolute priority; however, the country’s military past evokes painful memories for many Japanese.

The constitution, drafted by the United States after World War II and enjoying strong popular support, prohibits Tokyo from resorting to force and does not recognize the Self-Defense Forces as an official army.

A poll conducted by Gallup International and published last year showed that only 9 percent of Japanese respondents were willing to fight to defend their country in case of war, while 50 percent were not. By comparison, 46 percent of South Koreans and 41 percent of Americans expressed readiness to serve their country if needed.

Recently, Ryuichi Oryuki, former Chief of Staff of the Japanese Forces, noted that Japanese public opinion has always focused on diplomatic means, and “there has not been much discussion about ways to maintain peace and security.”

Oryuki added: “I hope public opinion will develop a deeper understanding of the reality of national defense.”