June 20, 2026

Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro announced a policy of continuing to distribute a children’s version of the “white paper on defense” to elementary, junior high, and high schools across Japan.

The Ministry of Defense last year distributed 6,100 copies of the 2024 “Defense White Paper” for children to 2,400 elementary schools. This provoked public controversy. The Zenroren-affiliated All Japan Teachers and Staffs Union (Zenkyo) pointed out that the white paper serves as an introduction to the government’s security policy which uses the threat of Russia and China to engage in a massive military buildup, and demanded that the ministry stop distributing the booklet. Zenkyo also called on the ministry to not force schools to use the controversial booklet in classes.

At the press conference, Defense Minister Koizumi noted that the ministry last year gained cooperation from only nine of the 47 prefectural boards of education in its distribution effort, and said that the ministry will work arm in arm with the Education Ministry to encourage education boards nationwide to collaborate in the distribution, hinting at increasing pressure on local education boards.

The latest children’s version of the “Defense White Paper” focuses on attracting younger generations to join and support the Self-Defense Forces. The 34-page booklet devotes more than half of all the pages to introducing readers to SDF equipment and disaster relief missions. At the same time, it names Russia and China as potential enemies and takes for granted the enhancement of deterrence and the Japan-U.S. alliance.

Past related article:
> Teachers’ union protests against Defense Ministry’s interference in school curriculum [May 9, 2026]