Japan’s Defense Ministry announced disciplinary action on Friday against 218 members of the ministry and the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) for various misconducts, including mishandling classified materials.

Among those disciplined, 11 officials were dismissed, two were demoted, 83 were suspended, 14 received pay cuts, and seven were formally reprimanded. The remaining personnel received admonishments or warnings. The investigation uncovered several inappropriate activities, such as mishandling classified information, fraudulent receipt of allowances, and power harassment.

Notably, 58 cases involved the improper handling of confidential information within the Ground, Maritime, and Air Self-Defense Forces. Crew members on several Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) destroyers shared sensitive information with unqualified colleagues. Additionally, 62 MSDF personnel, including senior members, fraudulently claimed allowances for diving training and duty, amounting to approximately 43 million yen ($270,000). Over 20 MSDF members and officials improperly consumed free meals in SDF base cafeterias.

Power harassment was also a significant issue, with three ministry officials at the director level or higher accused of making intimidating remarks to subordinates, causing psychological distress. In response, Defense Minister Minoru Kihara emphasized the need for reform within the MSDF. Consequently, Akira Saito, currently the Self Defense Fleet commander in chief, will replace MSDF Chief of Staff Admiral Ryo Sakai on July 19.

The scandal emerges as Japan seeks closer military cooperation with the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and other Western partners amid regional threats from China and North Korea. Kihara acknowledged the significant damage to public trust and vowed to implement preventive measures to protect sensitive information and maintain international confidence in Japan’s defense capabilities.