A scandal in Japan: More than 200 defence officials punished for mishandling classified data

Admiral Ryo Sakai said he would step down as of July 19 but added that the scandal should not affect Japan’s plans to increase military spending.
Photo: AFP

Japan’s defence ministry and forces are under scrutiny over allegations members of the navy violated the sensitive information protection law, falsely claimed allowances for special assignments, and wrongfully claimed free meals at base cafeterias.  

Of the 218 people disciplined, 11 senior officials were dismissed, two were demoted, dozens suspended and 14 received pay cuts

Japan’s defence ministry has announced disciplinary action against more than 200 senior officials and service members over the mishandling of classified materials and other misconduct.

The announcement on July 12 could undermine Tokyo’s efforts to work more closely with the United States and other partners in the face of China’s growing threat.

Among senior commanders and defence ministry officials to face discipline, head of Maritime Self Defence Force, Admiral Ryo Sakai, was to resign to take responsibility over some of the misconducts, to be replaced by Akira Saito, currently Self Defence Fleet commander in chief, the minister announced.

Defence Minister Minoru Kihara apologised, saying the problems were “significantly damaging to the public trust” for the ministry and Japan’s defence forces.

Mr Kihara said the ministry’s investigation found that classified information was mishandled on 38 destroyers and submarines.

However, he said no sensitive information leaked outside the military or caused any harm.

With Japan accelerating military cooperation with the US, Australia, the UK and other western partners, the issue could undermine its reputation as a trusted defence partner.

"Ensuring intelligence protection is extremely important for our cooperation with the ally and other like-minded countries, and we should never let this kind of problem happen again," Mr Kihara said.

He pledged to quickly carry out preventive measures "so that we will not breach trust with other countries".

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