A recent update indicates that there has been widespread mishandling of classified information within the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), resulting in a large number of personnel and officials facing penalties. The top leader of the Maritime Self-Defense Force is considering resigning amid these revelations.
On Saturday, several Japanese media outlets reported, citing anonymous officials, that multiple destroyers of the Maritime Self-Defense Force were found to have engaged in numerous violations while handling highly classified information. The Chief of Staff of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, Ryo Sakai, expressed willingness to take responsibility and step down.
In April of this year, the Japanese Ministry of Defense announced that individuals without the proper clearance to handle classified information had been working in the Combat Information Center (CIC) of the destroyer “Inazuma” of the JMSDF for approximately 60 days, accessing navigational information classified as “special secrets”.
Several senior military officers on board the vessel ordered these individuals to work in the CIC without verifying whether they had undergone background checks. As a result, four senior JMSDF officials, including the then captain, were either suspended or had their salaries reduced.
Following the incident, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara stated on April 26 that he would handle the matter “extremely seriously”. Subsequently, the Ministry of Defense launched a comprehensive investigation. The investigation revealed further instances of improper handling of classified information on multiple destroyers of the Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Reports indicate that these violations seem to have become commonplace and involve a significant number of personnel. The Ministry of Defense is planning to impose penalties on the individuals involved, including senior military officers. Currently, the leaked classified information is believed to be contained within the Self-Defense Force, and external leakage has not been confirmed.
The “Act on the Protection of Special Secrets” came into effect in 2014 with the aim of preventing the leakage of national secrets related to defense, foreign policy, counterintelligence, and counterterrorism activities.
As of the end of 2023, a total of 751 items have been designated as national secrets by various ministries and institutions, with the Ministry of Defense accounting for 429 items, including information pertaining to weapon specifications and performance.
Before being authorized to handle these national secrets, relevant personnel must undergo background checks to determine if they have criminal records, issues related to alcohol abuse, or financial difficulties.
In December 2022, the Ministry of Defense dismissed a Marine Infantry Lieutenant on suspicion of leaking national secrets to a retired Navy Admiral, marking the first such case since the implementation of the secrecy law.
Ryo Sakai previously served as a destroyer captain, then as the Defense Director and Commander of the Yokosuka region in the JMSDF, and was appointed as the Chief of Staff of the Maritime Self-Defense Force in March 2022.