The Foreign Ministry is having difficulty manning Israel's Embassy in Japan. Following the magnitude 9.0 earthquake that hit the country in March, costing the lives of some 15,000 people, diplomats have stopped applying for positions in Tokyo.

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At the moment, the Israeli Embassy can't find anyone to assume the positions of deputy ambassador and culture coordinator. The manpower shortage was exacerbated recently, after one of the diplomats stationed in Tokyo gave birth, and requested not to return to her post after her maternity leave ends.

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In the past, Japan was considered a desirable destination among Israeli diplomats. But the recent crisis has fueled fears of radiation poisoning and, coupled with an increase in prices and disappearance of products from shelves, is causing serious worry among diplomats.

Due to concerns over radioactive particles in the water, the government issued a warning prohibiting the consumption of tap water. As a result, residents of the capital have been forced to buy mineral water bottles, which cost a fortune.

A recent test revealed irregular levels of radiation in the body of Israel's Ambassador to Tokyo Nissim Ben Shitrit. However, he has reported no health issues.

The other diplomats have not shown unusual levels of radiation, and are under constant supervision.

On Saturday, Foreign Ministry Deputy Director-General Yossi Regev and head of human resources at the Foreign Ministry Shimon Roded travelled to Japan in order to try resolve the manpower issue.