Japanese military to allow new recruits to have longer hair

TOKYO, Feb 18 (BBC): New recruits to the Japanese military will be allowed to have longer hair in a bid to attract more young people, the country's defence ministry has said.

The announcement comes as Japan struggles with a shortage of soldiers in the face of growing concerns about China and North Korea. Only buzz cuts were allowed for male recruits, and short hair for females.

But from April, the rules will be relaxed to allow troops to have longer hair. Under the new rules, male troops will be allowed to have short back and sides with longer hair on top.

Female personnel will be allowed to have longer hair - but cannot fall onto the shoulders when it is tied up while in uniform - and does not interfere with the wearing of a helmet.

According to the Kyodo news agency, news of the relaxed rule was first reported in January during an expert panel meeting tasked with boosting troop numbers for Japan's Self-Defence Forces (JSDF).

Defence minister Minoru Kihara said during that meeting: "As our nation faces a serious workforce shortage, we recognize competition with others, including the private sector, to secure talent has been intensifying."