Japanese military enlists help of comic-book artists

IN THE latest attempt to make its armed forces more open to a public that is firmly opposed to militarism, Japan’s Defence Agency is to produce its annual white paper on its efforts in the form of a comic book.

"Manga" comic books are almost an art form in Japan, although their subject matter is more often pornographic or violent. But the agency believes a new look for the Defence of Japan 2004 report will appeal to a different group of readers.

"We would like to be able to reach younger generations, those in their 20s or 30s," a spokeswoman from the agency said.

The traditional version of the report was released this week and examines such serious issues as the ballistic missile capabilities of North Korea, Pyongyang’s uranium enrichment programme and efforts by China to upgrade its military, particularly the plan to turn its limited-capability navy into an open seas fighting force.

The comic-book version of the hefty 450-page report is being sketched out and is likely to be available from August, although more specific details are something of a military secret.

The Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defence Forces have been on a charm offensive in recent years.

Their recruiting posters have in recent years featured round-bodied caricatures of soldiers, sailors and pilots, while the Maritime Self-Defence Force raised eyebrows last year when its television recruiting adverts featuring sailors dancing on the prow of a destroyer.