A member of the Self-Defense Forces was drummed out of the service in March after not showing up for duty without notice for 89 days, the latest in a series of cases where SDF personnel have been absent without leave for long periods.

Former personnel and analysts say the problem lies with the SDF's "unique atmosphere" that makes it difficult for members to resign in a straight-forward manner.

Last Oct. 16, an airman 2nd class in his 20s assigned to the Air Self-Defense Force's 2nd Air Wing in Chitose, Hokkaido, did not return as scheduled from leave. The following day, his off-duty colleagues and others began searching for him, using their own money.