At a day care center in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward, a 27-year-old teacher with pink hair stands out among her young students. This vibrant display of personal style is reflective of a growing trend in Japan’s conservative business sectors known as hair color freedom. The Sakurasaku Mirai group of day cares, which previously adhered to a strict black or natural brown hair policy, recently granted its staff the freedom to choose any hair color they desire.
Rina Miyahara, the pink-haired teacher, shares her motivation for embracing a non-traditional hair color, saying, As a K-Pop fan, I wanted to make my hair the same color as my favorite idol. Her decision has garnered positive attention from both the children and their parents. Miyahara’s new hair color has been met with comments like It’s cute and You look like a Pretty Cure character. The change has been well-received, with many praising it as her best hairstyle yet.
However, while individual hair color choices are now allowed, the safety of the children remains the top priority. Certain restrictions remain in place, such as the prohibition of piercings and glue-on nails. Additionally, hair of shoulder length or longer must be tied up with a hairband, and hair clips are not permitted. It is important to note that hair color itself does not pose any safety risks.
Kumi Kondo, the principal of Sakurasaku Mirai day care, emphasizes the positive impact of embracing individuality among the staff members. She states, I hope freeing up hair color choices will make things more fun. Once we gave them more freedom, the workers’ faces also became brighter. Kondo attributes the decision to allow hair color diversity to the changing teaching policies within the day care, which now focus on individualized education.
The shift towards hair color freedom is not limited to day care centers. Pan Pacific International Holdings Corp., the parent company of the popular discount chain Don Quijote, implemented a policy in March 2022 allowing any hair color for in-store staffers. This was followed by extending the same freedom to management in February 2023. Other establishments, such as Lego Land Japan and supermarket chain Belc, have also relaxed their hair color rules in recent years.
Yoshitaka Nishio, President of Sakurasaku Mirai, highlights the importance of nurturing individuality and promoting diverse expressions. He believes that fostering a culture that values personal uniqueness among care workers positively impacts the children under their care.
The concept of hair color freedom represents a larger cultural shift in Japan’s traditionally conservative business world. As work styles evolve, organizations are recognizing the value in allowing employees to express themselves more freely. While safety precautions remain paramount, the increasing acceptance of non-traditional hair colors signifies a move towards embracing diversity and individuality within the workplace.
In conclusion, Japan’s conservative company sectors are experiencing a striking phenomenon known as hair color freedom. This trend, exemplified by the Sakurasaku Mirai group of day cares, allows staff members to choose any hair color they desire. While safety precautions are still in place, the shift towards embracing individuality reflects changes in teaching policies and attitudes towards work. The growing acceptance of unique hair colors signifies a cultural transformation within Japan’s business world, promoting diversity and personal expression.
