Japanese Defence Ministry Relaxes Haircut Regulations for Military Personnel

The Japanese military is making changes to its recruitment policy in order to attract more young people. Currently, only buzz cuts are allowed for male recruits and short hair for females. However, starting in April, the rules will be relaxed to allow troops to have longer hair. Male troops will be allowed 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 wearing a helmet. The decision to relax these rules was made due to a shortage of soldiers and increasing concerns about China and North Korea. Last year, Japan announced an increase in defense spending, but recruitment targets have not been met. Factors such as a declining birth rate, an aging population, low morale due to poor pay, allegations of sexual harassment, and a ban on people with tattoos from joining the military have all hindered recruitment efforts. The defense ministry is also considering allowing people with tattoos to join the military, as they recognize that not all individuals with tattoos are affiliated with organized crime.