Japan’s military, known as the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), has a history of women serving in non-combat roles, but it wasn’t until 2018 that women were recruited for all roles within the JSDF. Women must meet the same physical and academic requirements as men and undergo rigorous training. Female soldiers can serve in combat and non-combat roles, but still face challenges such as discrimination and sexual harassment. The inclusion of women in the JSDF has been seen as positive for increasing diversity and addressing personnel shortages. While public opinion is generally supportive, there are concerns about safety in combat situations. The number of female soldiers is likely to continue to grow, but further work is needed to ensure full equality for all soldiers regardless of gender.