Appologies for the confusion. Perhaps I should have elaborated a bit more, or at least clarified that statement? I'd say that the common oppinion of the Japanese PUBLIC, to include many in both the upper and lower parlimentary houses, is that it doesn't return much on the investment. I have theories on why, but I'll spare you the long-winded dissertation for now. Suffice it to say that I think it's a combination of Article 9, post-WWII educational policies, and Japan's history as a farming nation.
As for their gear, I'd say that it can be hit-or-miss. They have some incredibly great stuff, such as a first-rate dive training facility that Force and the SeALs absolutely love. On the flipside, though, I've seen some of their facilities, subs and ships that are just plain rundown. Make no mistake, though, the warrior spirit is very much alive in the JSDF. A prime example is their "We-swear-to-god-we're-not-SeALs-but-we-really-are-kind-of" frogmen, who are officially something akin to a UDT unit. In reality, though, they perform a variety of missions, from reconnaissance and EOD, to anti-terror and direct action. Some of the best trained, best equipped, most professional, and most hard-partying individuals I have ever met.
In the words of a former Vice CNO of the JMSDF (my host father), though, "It becomes more and more difficult to do more and more with less and less."
Skidkid, you're right on the money with the top-heavy description, and it wouldn't surprise me if that was why they do it. I've never heard any official mention of it anywhere, but considering the situation Japan is in, it would be very surprising for them to not have such a contingency plan in place.
