Japan Navy struggles to recruit as regional tensions rise

Japan is stepping up efforts to address a growing shortage of personnel in its Self-Defense Forces, as rising regional tensions place new demands on its military capabilities.

Teachers were invited aboard a Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel as part of outreach efforts aimed at encouraging young people to consider military careers. However, Japan continues to face recruitment challenges driven by an aging population, competition from the private sector, and lingering social stigma around military service.

Authorities say filling key roles in areas such as cyber security and artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly urgent as regional security threats grow.

Al Jazeera's Patrick Fok reports from Yokosuka.

Subscribe to our channel: http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe Follow us on X : https://twitter.com/AJEnglish Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aljazeera Check our website: http://www.aljazeera.com/ Check out our Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/aljazeeraenglish/ Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.news/AJEMobile

#Japan #Military #Security #Defense #Asia