[TOKYO, Japan] —  [February 27, 2026] — As global conflicts evolve and the role of women in national defense expands, a groundbreaking new academic volume, The Conundrum of the Female Soldiers, offers a provocative analysis of the intersection between gender and military institutions.
Drawing on two decades of sociological research and inspired by the author’s work with pioneering feminist scholar Cynthia Enloe, the book provides a critical examination of how female soldiers—particularly within Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF)—disrupt traditional patriarchal structures while simultaneously navigating the risks of new militarization.
“Women in the military continue to unsettle both feminist theory and public debate,” says the author. “Their presence forces us to confront the gendered assumptions—about masculinity, protection, and heroism—that military institutions rely on to justify their existence.”
The Conundrum of the Female Soldiers moves beyond simple narratives of "equality" or "progress." Instead, it highlights the paradoxical dynamics at play when women enter spaces traditionally defined by masculine combat roles. From the specific challenges within the JSDF to the contemporary frontline realities in Ukraine, the book demonstrates how asking "gendered questions" fundamentally transforms our understanding of war and power.

Key Themes Explored in the Book:

• The Disruption of Heroism: How women’s participation challenges the "protector/protected" binary.
• Sociological Lens on the JSDF: A deep dive into the unique gendered landscape of Japan’s military.
• Global Contexts: Comparative insights ranging from long-term sociological trends to the current war in Ukraine.
• The Legacy of Feminist Inquiry: Building upon the foundational theories of Cynthia Enloe to address 21st-century militarism.

This volume is an essential resource for scholars of gender studies, sociology, and international relations, as well as policymakers seeking to understand the complex social fabric of modern armed forces.

About the Author

SATŌ Fumika is Professor of Gender Studies at the Graduate School of Social Sciences, Hitotsubashi University. She received her B.A. from Keio University, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from the Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University.

About the Publication

• Title: The Conundrum of the Female Soldiers: War and the Military from a Gender Perspective
• Availability: here

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