Strict School Rules in Japan: Between Discipline and Absurdity

We imagine Japanese schools as places of perfect order and discipline. However, reality sometimes surpasses fiction with rules that seem taken from another era. We have discovered that many students feel frustrated by guidelines that have nothing to do with their academic performance. Imagine being forced to say "thank you" ten times a day or being forbidden from grooming your eyebrows. It sounds like a joke, doesn't it? Well, for many teenagers in Japan, it is their daily life.

The Great Discontent in the Classroom

A recent survey conducted by the platform Jukusen has shed light on this situation. They asked 104 high school students across the country about their school regulations. The results are quite revealing: more than half of the respondents do not agree with the rules of their institution. Even worse, 70% of them have never received a logical explanation for why these restrictions exist. We see a clear gap between the authorities and the young people who must obey without questioning.

The Most Criticized Regulations

What exactly bothers the students? We have a list of the most controversial points, and some are truly surprising. It is not just about being serious in class; it goes much further into personal style and privacy.

• Hairstyles and hair color: This is the number one complaint. Why prioritize conformity over individuality?
• Eyebrow grooming: Students argue that not being able to touch their eyebrows makes them look less presentable.
• Uniform details: Rules about how to wear the skirt or the blazer are often seen as excessive and inconsistent.
• Socks and accessories: Regulations on the length, color, and even the number of keychains on the backpack.
• Underwear color: Yes, some schools still specify what color underwear students should wear. It is quite uncomfortable just thinking about it!

Curiosities and Bizarre Prohibitions

Beyond the typical rules, we have found some "pearls" that make us laugh to avoid crying. For example, some schools prohibit light music clubs. Why? Because they fear that rock or J-Pop will turn students into delinquents. It seems that for some, a guitar is a dangerous weapon. We also found a rule that forces girls to wear 80 denier tights specifically on graduation day. Precision is everything!

We also found cases where sunscreen and lip balm are banned. In the middle of summer, this seems more like a punishment than a rule. And let's not forget the prohibition of stopping anywhere on the way home. No snacks, no bookstores, just straight home like robots. Does this really help someone graduate with better grades? We highly doubt it.

Is Change Coming to the Classrooms?

Despite the anger, most students (around 70%) choose to obey. They don't want trouble. However, there is a small percentage that rebels in silence, perhaps plucking an eyebrow hair when no one is looking. We are starting to see some progress, such as schools that no longer force everyone to have black hair or those that have eliminated underwear checks. It seems that common sense is slowly knocking on the door.

We believe that education should evolve with the times. Maintaining traditions is fine, but controlling the color of a sock seems a bit much in the 21st century. What do you think about these rules? Do you think discipline requires this level of control or is it just an obsession with rules? Tell us your opinion!