The area of rank is one in which the JMSDF has been very creative. They have been established a system of rank names that is reminiscent of wartime ranks, but that is also just different enough to remind the Japanese people that they do not really have a navy. One interesting feature of the system is that two words for officer (shikan and shoko) have been abolished. The word used in its place is one that can be used to mean manager. Officer candidates are referred to as manager candidates. Because it would cause confusion (if not laughter) to hand out business cards with newly trumped up English ranks, the English rendering of the ranks on JMSDF officer's business cards use familiar rank names, while the Japanese side maintains strict adherence to the new system.
