Japan's military will allow long hair and tattoos: what's happening

The Japanese Ministry of Defense has announced that all recruits to the Japanese army will be allowed to wear relatively long hair. In addition, the possibility of recruiting people with tattoos to the Self-Defense Forces is being considered.

In this way, the Japanese government wants to attract more young people to the army. According to the BBC, Japan is struggling with a shortage of soldiers amid concerns about China and North Korea.

Until recently, male recruits in Japan were allowed only a haircut that we call "boxing" or "half-boxing" - very short hair, and the temples shaved off. Women were allowed only a "short bob" so that their hair did not touch their shoulders.

But starting in April, these rules will be relaxed, and Japanese soldiers will be able to wear slightly longer hair. In particular, men will be allowed not to shave their temples, and women will be allowed to wear "ponytails" with hair up to their shoulders.

Last year, Japan announced that it would substantially increase its defense spending over the next five years due to growing tensions from China and North Korea. However, the recruitment process for the country's Self-Defense Forces fell short by 10%.

Japan's military recruitment shortage has a number of significant factors, ranging from the country's declining birth rate to low military salaries. However, for some reason, the government decided to change the situation by changing the length of hair. Also, the country's Ministry of Defense is considering recruiting people with tattoos, which is currently prohibited.

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