Japan: Defence Ministry eases haircut rules for troops
The Japanese defense ministry has announced a new policy allowing recruits to the military to have longer hair to attract more young people, amid concerns about a shortage of soldiers and escalating tensions with China and North Korea.
Previously, only buzz cuts were permitted for male recruits and short hair for females. However, starting in April, the regulations will be relaxed to permit troops to have longer hair.
Under the revised guidelines, male personnel can sport short backs and sides with longer hair on top, while female soldiers can have longer hair as long as it does not extend past their shoulders when tied up and does not impede the wearing of a helmet.
The decision to loosen hair regulations was initially reported by the Kyodo news agency in January during an expert panel meeting aimed at bolstering troop numbers for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).
Defense Minister Minoru Kihara acknowledged the need to address workforce shortages and heightened competition for talent in the private sector.
Since World War Two, Japan’s military has adhered to a strictly defensive role by its pacifist constitution. However, the effort to increase recruitment comes amid concerns over China’s military expansion and North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs.
Last year, Japan announced it would substantially boost its defense spending over the next five years, but the JSDF has been struggling to hit recruitment targets, with officials saying the army is operating at 10% below capacity.
The Japan Times has reported that on top of a declining birth rate and having the world’s oldest population, low morale due to poor pay and allegations of sexual harassment has also hindered recruitment.
Last year it was reported that the country’s defence ministry was also considering moves to allow people with tattoos to join the JSDF.
Tattoos have long been taboo in Japan, where they are associated with yakuza organized crime gangs.
Officials have acknowledged that many people who have tattoos are not gangsters and the ban was hindering recruitment.
