
Any military force in the world is sure to be filled with young, healthy, fit men and women, which also happens to be the perfect recipe for creating super sexy humans–especially if you happen to have a thing for uniforms. So, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that this month will see the release of two photo books and a pair of DVDs from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force: One pair dedicated to their sexy men and the other dedicated to their beautiful women.
And unlike the JSDF’s 2014 photo calendar, you can expect to find nothing but real enlisted men and women in these books–including the JSDF’s only professional singer Yukari Miyake.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) books will go on sale on May 12, but are available for pre-oder on Amazon now. Depicted doing everything from piloting aircraft to showing off their swim trunks to wielding bayonets and rifles, 39 men and 21 women will appear in the two volumes. DVDs matching the books will be released on May 23 as well. Plans to turn the JSDF into a tarento recruitment agency have not been announced yet, but we’re expecting word from high command any day now.
▼More disciplined than AKB48…
▼And much, much easier on the eyes than SMAP.
Both of the photo books will resale for 1,944 yen (about US$20) on Amazon, while the DVDs can be had for 2,765 yen (around $28). Or, if you’re really feeling like a fanboy and/or fangirl, you can go crazy and get all books and DVDs for 6,653 yen (about $67). Unfortunately, even buying all four items at once won’t get you into any high-five parties with JSDF recruits. You’ll have to sneak onto a base to do that–but don’t worry, we’re sure they’ll be glad to see you!
▼Nothing says “High five me!” like that proud brow.
▼”Captain! High fives needed off the port bow!”
▼We’re starting to think these photos are staged.
No one should look that happy stirring a giant pot of anything.
The women’s book will feature photos of Yukari Miyake, the JSDF’s only professional singer. Yukari, who is a soprano and a graduate of the Nihon University College of Art’s music department, is the only member of the JMSDF to be enlisted for vocal performance. She tours and sings with the Japan Maritime Self-Dense Force Band Tokyo–and does a stellar job of it as well. You can check out one of her performances in the video below.
▼And now you know why she’s considered the JMSDF’s “diva.”
Beyonce and Madonna have nothing on this songstress!
In addition to showing off the personnel hard at work in their uniforms, the books and DVDs will provide interviews with the recruits and offer glimpses into the off-duty lives of these sexy men and women. We can’t imagine that their days off are that much different from ours, but then again our working days don’t involve automatic rifles.
▼Oh, how we wish knee-high socks were part of the uniform…
▼…we bet this pilot would look ravishing in them!
We’re not entirely sure who these products are targeting, though the JSDF also has a fan club (because reasons), so there’s obviously some kind of demand. If nothing else, they would make for some great (awkward?) belated Mother’s Day presents.










Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Foreign resident of Japan arrested after spraying bear repellant inside post office
Sanrio’s new McDonald’s Japan Happy Meals give the spotlight all to Cinnamoroll[Photos]
Japanese train company brings back beloved “patapata” departure board…with a clever digital twist
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
Krispy Kreme Japan adds two cute limited-edition doughnuts to its summer menu
We try Krispy Kreme Japan’s first-ever all-you-can-eat doughnut deal
Studio Ghibli film towels with English dialogue lines are cinematically cool and cute[Photos]