Japanese military hit by a fall in recruitment of more than 10 per cent

The number of people applying to join the Japanese military has declined more than 10 per cent at a time when they are more likely to end up fighting a conflict after the government's revision of its pacifist constitution.

The reinterpretation of the constitution would permit Japanese forces to carry out collective self-defence and come to the aid of an ally that is under threat.

Public concern over the sea change in official attitudes towards the use of the military has escalated to the point where some believe that the government could be forced to reintroduce a compulsory draft to maintain personnel levels.

"Young people who have not thought about the draft or going to war are becoming concerned," said Karin Amamiya, a peace activist.

The Ministry of Defence, however, claims that the fall in recruit numbers is a result of the recovery in the national economy as more young people opt for a white-collar career.

According to ministry statistics, 31,101 people applied in the last fiscal year to join the Self-Defence Forces as non-commissioned officers, who account for about 60 per cent of all SDF personnel. In the previous year, 34,534 people applied.