The declaration is made at a time when China and North Korea are causing Japan to suffer with a manpower deficit.
Male recruits could only have buzz cuts, while female recruits could only have short hair.
However, the regulations will be loosened in April to permit soldiers to sport longer hairstyles.
Male troops will be permitted to have shorter hair on the back and sides and longer hair on top under the new regulations.
Longer hair may be worn by female employees as long as it stays tied up, stays off the shoulders, and doesn’t get in the way of their
The Kyodo news agency claims that information about the loosened regulation was initially revealed in January during a meeting of an expert group tasked with increasing the number of troops in Japan’s Self-Defence Forces (JSDF).
“As our nation faces a serious workforce shortage, we recognize competition with others, including the private sector, to secure talent has been intensifying,” stated Minoru Kihara, the minister of defense, during that meeting.
Japan’s pacifist constitution has required the military to play only a defensive role since World War Two.
The attempt to increase recruiting comes as North Korea’s and China’s escalating nuclear and missile programs and China’s rapid military build-up confront Japan.
