The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) has quietly begun a nationwide campaign to put more muscle into its army, navy and air force.

In a strange sense of timing, it decided to launch its annual recruitment drive last week a day after Prime Minister Shinzo Abe pushed through a resolution allowing the Japanese military to defend its Asian allies under the controversial concept of "collective self defense."

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The Prime Minister is Commander-in-Chief of the JSDF.

Japan's Ministry of Defense launched a major campaign for new recruits using TV commercials and online videos glorifying service in the military. It is also resorting to a mail campaign to help recruit more soldiers.

The ministry has mailed thousands of letters to high school students nationwide encouraging them to enlist in the JSDF. News reports said a number of the students who received the recruitment letters were dismayed and are convinced that the timing is not a coincidence.

Japan has 22.4 million males fit for military service. The JSDF has a current strength of 230,000 men and women in its three armed services. Men of military age available for service number 27.3 million.

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force or the army, the largest service branch, has an operational strength of 148,000 personnel.

Japan's latest military recruitment campaign is being pushed under the slogan "You and Peace." TV commercials urging men and women to join the JSDF harp on commercials the military's contributions to peace to a background of a lively theme song.

It reminds Japanese viewers that the JSDF has been involved in overseas humanitarian missions that have saved lives and are often aid in relief work when natural disasters strike.

The commercials depict a career in the JSDF as one that abounds with unlimited dreams. They tell viewers "there are some things you can only experience" by enlisting.

The ministry said its recruitment drive is careful to avoid portraying JSDF personnel as "an object of admiration." Instead, its ads try to portray the reality of the military profession and its integrity.

The three service branches of the JSDF are the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. 

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