Japanese schools to stop forcing students to dye their hair black

 Issue: Japanese schools to stop forcing students to dye their hair black

Article 1 - Japanese schools to stop forcing students to dye their hair black https://www.theage.com.au/world/asia/japanese-schools-to-stop-forcing-students-to-dye-their-hair-black-20220315-p5a4ow.html

Article 2 - Tokyo public schools will stop forcing students to dye their hair black, official promises https://japantoday.com/category/national/tokyo-public-schools-will-stop-forcing-students-to-dye-their-hair-black-official-promises

 

As a number of high schools in Japan dismantle laws restricting students' appearance, students will no longer be required to colour their hair a particular shade of black.

Considering the overwhelming bulk of Japanese middle and high school students are required to wear uniforms, it's no surprise that schools have a number of other laws affecting students' appearance. However, one that has sparked debate in recent years is certain schools' mandate that all students have black hair. According to media sources, the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education would eliminate five restrictions at roughly 200 public high schools and educational institutes before the start of the academic year next month.

Recent high school graduates in Tokyo.CREDIT:AKIO KON

 

When I was browsing through the latest news from around the world, I came across two articles that caught my attention, one from The Age and the other from Japan Today. The Age is a Melbourne-based daily newspaper that has been published since 1854. Nine Entertainment owns and publishes the newspaper, which is well-known in Australia. Japan Today is a Japanese digital news publication based in Tokyo. Japan Today began publishing wire articles, press releases, and images in September 2000, as well as opinion and sponsored pieces.

 

Students remove their masks to eat lunch at Uramachi Elementary School in Aomori, Japan.CREDIT:JAPAN NEWS-YOMIURI

Both articles provide concerns and opinions for specific students who have been colouring their hair as a result of the rule, but Kaori Yamaguchi, a member of the Tokyo Metropolitan Board of Education, told Mainichi, "Although a wonderful effort, it is regrettable it took so long". The school's activities were found to be legal by the court. The school, on the other hand, was compelled to pay the former student 330,000 yen ($3380) in emotional distress damages.

 

My general opinion to the articles is mixed, as they claim it will bring stress and hardship to students but also allowing them to better integrate into society. However, I feel students should have a say in their appearance because it is their choice, not anybody else's.