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

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