New recruits to the Japanese military will now be allowed to have longer hair in an effort to attract more young people, the country’s defense ministry announced. The decision comes as Japan grapples with a shortage of soldiers amid growing concerns about China and North Korea.
Previously, male recruits were only allowed to have buzz cuts, while female recruits were required to maintain short hair. However, starting in April, the rules will be relaxed to allow troops to have longer hair. Under the new regulations, male troops will be permitted to have a short back and sides with longer hair on top, while female personnel will be allowed to have longer hair as long as it does not fall onto the shoulders when tied up and does not interfere with the wearing of a helmet.
The move to relax the rules comes as Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) has been struggling to meet recruitment targets, operating at 10% below capacity. The country is facing a declining birth rate and an aging population, as well as low morale due to poor pay and allegations of sexual harassment, which have hindered recruitment efforts.
In addition to the changes in hair regulations, the Japanese defense ministry is also considering allowing people with tattoos to join the JSDF. Tattoos have long been taboo in Japan, as they are associated with yakuza organized crime gangs, but officials have acknowledged that the ban on tattoos has been hindering recruitment.
Historically, the role of Japan’s military since World War Two has been exclusively defensive in line with the country’s pacifist constitution. However, in recent years, Japan has faced increasing military threats from China’s rapid military build-up and North Korea’s expanding missile and nuclear programs.
The announcement of the relaxed hair regulations and the potential allowance of tattoos in the JSDF is part of a broader effort to boost recruitment and address the country’s growing security concerns.
Overall, the changes are aimed at making the military more appealing to potential recruits as Japan works to bolster its defense capabilities in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.
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