Japan's Self-Defense Forces miss recruiting target by more than half

Ukraine war, Taiwan tensions may be influencing decision not to enlist

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Self-Defense Forces personnel search for a missing SDF helicopter in Japan on April 17. © Kyodo

YUSUKE TAKEUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

TOKYO -- Japan's Self-Defense Forces recruited less than half the planned number of fixed-term personnel for fiscal 2022, Nikkei has learned, a shortfall that comes as Tokyo aims to boost the country's capacity to protect itself.

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