Stop Leaks of Specially Designated Secrets, Misbehavior at Defense Ministry

The Ministry of Defense on July 12 announced disciplinary actions against 218 personnel. They include senior officials from the Self-Defense Force (SDF) as well as the Ministry of Defense. This follows incidents involving leaks of specially designated secrets by Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) fleet units and harassment within the ministry's internal bureaus. 

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida addressed reporters on the evening of July 11 in Washington (July 12 JST). His comments came as he completed his United States visit, which included the NATO summit and other commitments. Specifically referring to a series of scandals at the Ministry of Defense, including the leak of specially designated secrets, Kishida stated, "I apologize for causing the public's concern."

In Tokyo, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara stated at a press conference, "Betraying the public's trust is absolutely unacceptable, and I deeply apologize." He also announced that he would voluntarily return one month of his salary.

Kishida's Challenge

The Prime Minister explained that he had been informed in advance of the disciplinary actions for those involved. He furthermore commented on the potential dismissal of Defense Minister Kihara. However, Kishida said, "[Kihara] must demonstrate strong leadership and quickly rebuild the Ministry of Defense and the SDF, ensuring a robust defense system. We need him to fully commit to restoring public trust by addressing these challenges."

Over 80% of those disciplined belong to the JMSDF. Consequently, Admiral Ryo Sakai, Chief of Staff of the JMSDF, will resign on July 19 to take responsibility. The repeated scandals have led to unprecedented large-scale disciplinary action. As such, they have also placed the Ministry of Defense and the SDF under intense public scrutiny as they work to restore trust.

The Misconduct

There were four misconducts subject to disciplinary actions. They were: mishandling specially designated secrets, fraudulently receiving diving allowances, eating and drinking at base facilities without paying, and abusing power by senior officials within the ministry's internal bureaus.

Admiral Sakai was given a disciplinary pay cut of 1/30 of his salary for one month due to failure to fulfill his supervisory duties. Another five senior officials were formally reprimanded, including Vice Defense Minister Kazuo Masuda and Chief of Joint Staff General Yoshihide Yoshida. Masuda will also voluntarily return 10% of his monthly salary for three months in response to power harassment cases.

Additionally, 115 personnel, including rear admirals, were disciplined for mishandling specially designated secrets. Formal disciplinary action was taken against 26 of those individuals. 

Another 74 personnel, including captains, were disciplined for fraudulently receiving diving allowances. Of those, 65 were formally penalized. 

Furthermore, 22 personnel, including lieutenants, were disciplined for eating and drinking at base facilities without paying. All 22 received formal disciplinary action. The disciplinary measures included dismissals, suspensions, and pay reductions.

Three defense ministry officials in their 50s holding positions as directors or higher were disciplined with suspensions and pay cuts. They were found to have repeatedly made intimidating remarks towards their subordinates, causing psychological distress.

What the Violations Involved

Improper handling of specially designated secrets, including leaks, was confirmed in 58 cases primarily within the JMSDF fleet units. These issues also involved ground and air self-defense units. No external leaks have been confirmed. Nevertheless, approximately 200 personnel on 38 vessels, including JMSDF destroyers, had access to or handled specially designated secrets without the necessary security clearance or proper vetting.

Diving allowances are paid based on the depth of dives conducted during duties or training. By submitting false training records, 65 personnel fraudulently received a total of ¥43 million JPY ($272,500 USD). Additionally, 22 personnel were found to have eaten and drunk at base facilities without paying, resulting in approximately ¥1.6 million ($10,000 ) in unauthorized expenses.

Kishida's Future

On July 12, Kishida was also asked about the upcoming Liberal Democratic Party presidential election in September. He responded, "My focus is on pressing issues that need immediate action, including political reform and various domestic and international challenges. I am fully committed to delivering results in these areas and am not concerned about any other matters at this time."

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(Read the article in Japanese.)

Authors: Tomoyuki Chiba, Washington Correspondent, and others at The Sankei Shimbun