Very short haircuts are common among soldiers and sailors worldwide. Japan has said it will relax rules for military recruits to have short hair. This is to attract more young people. Japan's army and companies are experiencing staff shortages. From April, recruits to Japan's Self Defence Forces (SDF) will be allowed to have longer hair. Women can have long hair, as long as they can wear a helmet or it is not below the shoulders.

Recruitment experts discussed how to increase troop numbers. There is a decreasing number of young people to recruit from. Japan's Defence Minister said: "As our nation faces a serious workforce shortage, we recognize competition with others, including the private sector, to secure talent has been intensifying." He said the new haircut rules are more rational. Japan might also allow people with tattoos to join the SDF.