9 votes

Japanese Self-Defense Forces enlist anime boys to try to attract new human recruits

8 comments

  1. [6]
    Kuromantis
    (edited )
    Link
    edited out Japan is a dystopia ~~and it could not be more based~~ Japan is not only a dystopia, but an extremely based one at that /s More seriously, stuff like this is why I generally support...
    edited out Japan is a dystopia ~~and it could not be more based~~

    Japan is not only a dystopia, but an extremely based one at that /s

    More seriously, stuff like this is why I generally support robotizing military infantry. (I've said this before.)

    Recently, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have been using anime-style artwork, and in some cases preexisting anime characters, for their recruiting posters. In a way, it makes sense. Many of the most popular anime follow their main characters as they train themselves and/or utilize high-spec technology to protect the people and lands they love, which more-or-less aligns with the intended mission of the JSDF.

    For example, in 2014 the JSDF recruiters in Ibaraki Prefecture debuted I☆P’s (pronounced “Ai Peace,” meaning “love and peace” in Japanese). The trio of cute anime-style girls consists of Hibari, Nobara, and Koume, who represent the air, maritime, and ground branches of the Self-Defense Forces.

    Bonus article (albeit paywalled): SDF draws fire for recruitment poster featuring female anime characters in skimpy costumes

    2 votes
    1. [4]
      Odysseus
      Link Parent
      Why would you say that Japan is a dystopia? Because they're using cartoon characters as military propaganda?

      Why would you say that Japan is a dystopia? Because they're using cartoon characters as military propaganda?

      5 votes
      1. [3]
        Kuromantis
        Link Parent
        Ok, I admit that's a crude hyperbolic joke take. But I do think this would fit pretty well in a sub like r/aboringdystopia, and generally using cute characters to convince you to join a force like...

        Ok, I admit that's a crude hyperbolic joke take. But I do think this would fit pretty well in a sub like r/aboringdystopia, and generally using cute characters to convince you to join a force like the military is pretty indicative of how far you need to go to make joining the military convincing.

        4 votes
        1. [2]
          Odysseus
          Link Parent
          That's a fair outside perspective. I'm guessing you've probably never been to Japan. They use these cute characters for everything. Police? Anime girl. Help kiosk? Anime girl. Reminder at the bar...

          That's a fair outside perspective. I'm guessing you've probably never been to Japan. They use these cute characters for everything. Police? Anime girl. Help kiosk? Anime girl. Reminder at the bar to wash your hands after using the toilet? Anime girl.

          Jokes aside (I'm serious about the cute characters being everywhere, it just isn't always an anime girl), I'm not sure it's particularly dystopian, or even really a negative, that military recruitment is difficult. Being less receptive to militarism is a good thing in my book.

          Also, more of a nitpick, but r/aboringdystopia is a leftist subreddit critiquing capitalism's influence on society. This has nothing to do with capitalism. This is just propaganda.

          11 votes
          1. Deimos
            Link Parent
            Separate from anime characters, Japan loves cute mascots too. This is a fun Twitter account that just tweets random Japanese mascots several times per day: https://twitter.com/mondomascots

            They use these cute characters for everything. Police? Anime girl. Help kiosk? Anime girl. Reminder at the bar to wash your hands after using the toilet? Anime girl.

            Separate from anime characters, Japan loves cute mascots too. This is a fun Twitter account that just tweets random Japanese mascots several times per day: https://twitter.com/mondomascots

            7 votes
    2. Grzmot
      Link Parent
      Such an AuthRight thing to say, :^) but after all, the blue squared ones are often the maximum based ones. /s

      Japan is not only a dystopia, but an extremely based one at that /s

      Such an AuthRight thing to say, :^) but after all, the blue squared ones are often the maximum based ones. /s

      1 vote
  2. [2]
    MetArtScroll
    Link
    [offbeat] Had they enlisted anime girls, they would be much more successful. [/offbeat]

    [offbeat]
    Had they enlisted anime girls, they would be much more successful.
    [/offbeat]

    2 votes
    1. Kuromantis
      Link Parent
      (This entire post is kinda offbeat ngl) But more seriously, If you read the brief article, it says they did that first.

      (This entire post is kinda offbeat ngl)

      But more seriously, If you read the brief article, it says they did that first.

      8 votes