Japanese schools are known for their rigorous enforcement of rules, particularly regarding students’ appearance. These rules are often perceived as overly rigid and can lead to issues such as students being required to have straight, black hair as a standard of “natural” hair. This, however, is an unreasonable expectation, as natural hair varies based on one’s racial and cultural background. For instance, mixed-race students may naturally have brown, blonde, or curly hair.
The demand for students to dye or straighten their hair to conform to these narrowly defined school rules is considered by some as a form of racial discrimination. While schools may argue that these rules promote uniformity and eliminate negative influences, it’s crucial to reconsider the necessity of such strict regulations on appearance as opposed to behavior.
The idea that hair color reflects a person’s conduct is questionable, as most individuals simply choose their hair color and style based on personal preferences, without any implications about their character. Japanese schools should critically assess whether these rules truly contribute to maintaining good behavior or are primarily about exerting control.
It’s essential for schools to foster an environment that respects students’ individuality and diversity while focusing on promoting positive conduct, rather than imposing restrictions on personal appearance that may lead to discrimination and stifling of self-expression.
This issue highlights the need for an ongoing dialogue on cultural and racial sensitivity in Japan’s education system, encouraging schools to adopt more inclusive and equitable policies.
