On Friday, August 24, Misa Matsushima realised her lifelong dream and struck a blow for Japan’s women when she started duty as the country’s first female fighter pilot. Matsushima, who holds the rank of first lieutenant in the air self-defence force, completed her training in August 2018, just three years after Japan lifted its ban on women becoming fighter pilots.
“I have admired fighter jet pilots ever since I saw Top Gun when I was in primary school,” she told reporters on the eve of starting her new role. “I want to continue to work hard to carry out my duties, not just for myself but also for women who want to follow this path in the future.” Three other women are currently training to join Japan’s elite group of fighter pilots.
Earlier this year Ryoko Azuma became the first woman to command a warship squadron as Japan’s navy attempts to make up a shortfall in personnel caused by the dwindling population of working-age people. Azuma now commands four vessels, including the flagship helicopter carrier Izumo, and a combined crew of 1,000—only 30 of whom are women.
