Let’s take a full overview of the Japan Military Ranks, along with the Insignia Badges of every rank, from lowest to highest military rank. Role and Daily Duties of every rank of the Soldiers and Officers of the Japanese Army. Comprehensive Rank Hierarchy of all ranks, with duties mentioned. Special Duties of officers and Soldiers and normal Routine Duties are also mentioned.
This article is the comprehensive guide for the Military Seekers specially about the Military of Japan Ranks (officers and Soldiers). Badges of the every Rank with calling name. If you are looking about the authentic and easy to understand information about the Military Ranks of Japan so you are at the right place. Here we have collected the trusted information from the relaible resources and some from the offical sites of the Japanese Government and Military.
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Ranks
Ranks listed from candidate trainee through the highest command position.
| No. | Rank | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | Jan Kohos | Candidate Trainee |
| 02 | Nito Rushi | Private Second Class |
| 03 | Itto Rushi | Private First Class |
| 04 | Rusho | Leading Private |
| 05 | Santo Ruso | Corporal Third Class |
| 06 | Neato Rekuso | Corporal Second Class |
| 07 | Itto Ruso | Corporal First Class |
| 08 | RKUSO | Sergeant Major |
| 09 | Jon Rui | Warrant Officer |
| 10 | Santo Riqu | Second Lieutenant |
| 11 | Neto Recoy | First Lieutenant |
| 12 | Itto Rikui | Captain |
| 13 | Santo Rekusa | Major |
| 14 | Neto Rakusa | Lieutenant Colonel |
| 15 | Ricoho | Brigadier General |
| 16 | Rakushio | Lieutenant General |
| 17 | Bakurio Taru Rico | Chief of Staff of the Ground Self-Defense Force |
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Ranks
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force ranks from candidate trainee through enlisted, non-commissioned officer, warrant officer, and commissioned officer positions.
01. Jan Kohos — Candidate Trainee
A Jan Kohos candidate trainee is a recruit undergoing basic military training in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. At this stage, they are not yet full soldiers, but are immersed in discipline, physical conditioning, and foundational combat skills. This is where the mindset of a Japanese soldier begins. Quiet, focused, and resilient.
02. Nito Rushi — Private Second Class
Nito Rushi is a newly enlisted soldier in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. Having just completed training, they carry out essential support roles in logistics, base security, and field prep. They follow orders, build physical discipline, and learn operational procedures from experienced superiors. This rank marks the humble beginning of a disciplined military path.
03. Itto Rushi — Private First Class
Itto Rushi is a slightly more experienced enlisted soldier in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force. They perform standard operational duties in drills, logistics, and field deployments. Focused on sharpening technical and tactical skills, they work closely with their team to ensure smooth coordination. This rank marks the transition from trainee to reliable operator in unit-level tasks.
04. Rusho — Leading Private
Rusho is an advanced enlisted soldier in the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force positioned just below the NCO tier. They lead small teams during routine drills and live exercises. Their role emphasizes adaptability, field coordination, and pre-command development. Under close supervision, they begin shaping their leadership identity and take initiative in mission prep, logistics, and basic tactical maneuvers.
05. Santo Ruso — Corporal Third Class
Santo Ruso is the first step into Japan's NCO ranks. They assist in leading small squads, supervise equipment checks, and coordinate basic field maneuvers. Though junior, they serve as the bridge between enlisted troops and leadership, dependable, disciplined, and ready for greater command.
06. Neato Rekuso — Corporal Second Class
Neato Rekuso is now fully integrated into the leadership chain. They participate in team coordination, technical training, and discipline enforcement.
07. Itto Ruso — Corporal First Class
Itto Ruso is a senior non-commissioned officer ranked in the Japanese Army. This Japanese rank commands small squads during operations and training. Responsible for discipline, tactical readiness, and mentoring junior non-commissioned officers. In a modernized force, the Itto Ruso bridges field leadership with new era combat strategies. Calm under pressure, sharp in execution.
08. RKUSO — Sergeant Major
RKUSO is the highest NCO rank, advises officers, leads entire units in daily operations, and ensures morale, discipline, and cohesion among enlisted ranks, a symbol of trust and stability.
09. Jon Rui — Warrant Officer
Jon Rui serves as the critical link between enlisted personnel and commissioned officers with expert-level knowledge in engineering, communications, or artillery. They command specialized units during complex missions. Their role is both technical and tactical, ensuring operational precision and mentoring junior teams across the Ground Self-Defense Force.
10. Santo Riqu — Second Lieutenant
Santo Riqu in the Japanese Army leads a platoon through intense field operations. As the first commissioned officer rank, they focus on mastering tactics, earning the trust of their unit, and building leadership confidence under pressure. Every decision they make shapes future missions. Santo Riqu is both a student and rising leader.
11. Neto Recoy — First Lieutenant
Neto Recoy holds command over platoon-sized operations. They supervise junior officers, coordinate logistics, and execute tactical planning in realtime scenarios as a Japanese rank. Neto Recoy balances mentorship, field leadership, and the precision required for modern mission success.
12. Itto Rikui — Captain
Itto Rikui commands an infantry company with full authority over tactics, training, and soldier welfare. This Japanese rank represents trust, precision, and field leadership. Itto Rikui officers are known for their calm in chaos, tactical clarity, and the ability to lead both strategy and morale under pressure.
13. Santo Rekusa — Major
Santo Rekusa serves as a critical mid-level officer in the Ground Self-Defense Force. Responsible for coordinating multiplatoon operations, managing intelligence flow, and overseeing logistics. This rank ensures operational harmony. Santo Rekusa balances strategic thinking with field adaptability, bridging tactical units and upper command with clarity, precision, and decisive leadership in complex environments.
14. Neto Rakusa — Lieutenant Colonel
The Neto Rakusa rank in the Japanese Army oversees battalion-level operations. They lead joint drills, enforce tactical cohesion, and ensure alignment between field execution and strategic planning. This Japanese rank balances realtime command with administrative leadership, acting as a crucial link between boots on the ground and high command.
15. Ricoho — Brigadier General
A Ricoho in the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force leads strategic brigades, coordinates national defense drills, and represents Japan in joint military operations. With a perfect balance of field leadership and strategic foresight, the Rushoho holds key influence over both battlefield readiness and long-term military planning.
16. Rakushio — Lieutenant General
The Rakuso rank commands regional military forces integrating ground operations with national security strategy. Responsible for multi-branch coordination and homeland readiness. The Rusho ensures operational harmony between army divisions, disaster response units, and joint force drills. This rank shapes both battlefield outcomes and Japan's internal defense posture.
17. Bakurio Taru Rico — Chief of Staff of the Ground Self-Defense Force
Bakurio Taru Rusho is the highest Japanese military rank in the Ground Self-Defense Force. This Chief of Staff leads all national land operations, defines doctrine, and makes final defense decisions. A symbol of unity, strategy, and disciplined leadership. This rank represents the top authority of the Japanese Army's command structure.
18. Itto Rikui — Captain
Itto Rikui commands an infantry company with full authority over tactics, training, and soldier welfare. This Japanese rank represents trust, precision, and field leadership. Itto Rikui officers are known for their calm in chaos, tactical clarity, and the ability to lead both strategy and morale under pressure.