'Not proud at all': Japan's army struggles to recruit

The strength of Japan's Self-Defence Forces has fallen by more than seven per cent to under 230,000. - AFP

TOKYO (AFP): A recent open day at a Japanese military base near Tokyo was a fun family outing but, despite the games and snacks, the army recruitment stand was bereft of visitors.

"This is the reality. The festival is always packed but no one comes," confessed one of the two soldiers on duty, unwanted leaflets on the table next to a green armoured vehicle.