Olympic Gold Medalist Praises Self-Defense Forces Father Amid Political Controversy

Japanese Olympic gold medalist Kage Yuki has publicly expressed pride in her father, a member of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF), in a social media post that has resonated amid a political controversy over remarks about the SDF. Kage, 24, who won gold in women's 76kg wrestling at the Paris Olympics, shared on X a heartfelt tribute to her father, describing his dedication to duty. She posted a childhood photo of herself wearing a handmade gold medal around her neck, standing beside her father in a camouflage uniform with the Japanese flag. In her message, Kage wrote, "I am proud of my father," thanking him for allowing her to pursue her dreams. She recalled his dangerous missions abroad, including deployments where it was uncertain if he would return, and his long absences during natural disasters. "Even then, every day I saw off the cool back of my father who said 'I'm off,'" she wrote, concluding with the line, "My proud father is a Self-Defense Forces member!" Her post comes as a political firestorm surrounds Liberal Democratic Party politician Fukuoka Chiharu, who during a parliamentary committee session on June 15 sparked outrage by suggesting that the Self-Defense Forces are for economically struggling children. Fukuoka quickly retracted and apologized for her remark, but Defense Minister Kojima Shinjiro strongly criticized it as lacking consideration. The comment drew backlash from both ruling and opposition parties, and Fukuoka received a formal warning from her party. Kage's tribute, while not directly referencing the political controversy, highlights a contrasting narrative of respect and gratitude for the SDF.