Japanese schools dress code violation of human rights

Japanese school dress code rules are known for being strict. Not only do students have to wear certain clothes, but they also have to adhere to rules relating to hairstyles and even underwear. Even though this has been a tradition for many years, not everyone is happy with these rules. Legal steps are now underway.

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What rules are part of the Japanese school dress code?

Last year, researchers examined the dress codes used by Japanese schools. They found that 58% of schools require students to wear white underwear, arguing that it should not be distracting. The study also revealed that some schools regularly check the color of students’ underwear. In some cases, female students between the ages of twelve and fifteen must show their bra strap by pulling it up through the collar.

Japanese schools dress code violation of human rights

So no clothes need to be removed, and the check is done by a female teacher. Still, the Japanese Bar Association thinks this is going too far: “Ordering someone to show their underwear violates their human rights. It is not acceptable just because it is a child who is being instructed.”

The organization has written a report calling for a reform of school rules. Besides criticism regarding white underwear, the rules around dress codes and hairstyles are also being discussed. Amongst other things, the fact that these rules are gender specific is being questioned. It is also strange that students are limited in their use of social media to protect their privacy. But at the same time, students must wear a name tag. So, their names are clearly visible on their journey to and from school. The Bar Association wants the rules to be revised. According to the lawyers, the rules must be rational and consider the rights of children. Also, the association believes that children should be involved in the revision, so the rules are easily understandable for them.

Japanese schools are not the easiest

This month, a spokesperson for Japan’s Ministry of Education urged schools to reconsider their policies. “Schools that enforce rules such as white underwear often introduced them a long time ago. As attitudes toward individual rights change, schools need to rethink these policies.”

Still, the question remains: will schools actually revise their rules? In February, a student sued her school over a dress code that required her to dye her naturally dark brown hair black. Because most Japanese people have black hair, the school assumed this was her natural color.

The situation is ironic. While schools ban dyed hair, they forced this student to dye her hair black. When she refused, the school removed her from the roster and told her she was no longer welcome. The judge ruled that schools can ban colored hair, as such rules serve a legitimate educational purpose. However, the court fined the school 330,000 yen (2,700 euros) for removing the student.

Although the Bar Association calls for reform, Japan does not seem ready to change its policies just yet. As long as judges continue to view these rules as educationally justified, schools have little reason to adapt. I am curious to see how many schools will respond to this call.

If you are interested in how appearance rules in Japan continue to evolve, you might also find these articles interesting:

• Why more companies in Japan are relaxing hair color rules
• Japan Airlines allows sneakers as part of the dress code
• The ongoing battle against Japan’s high heels policy

Greetings,

Aileen

Last update: 22/03/2026