Even when you hear the reasons, you’ll probably still be confused.

What Are "School Rules" in Japan?

When we talk about “school” in Japan, we usually mean elementary school, middle school, or high school.
And in these schools, you’ll often find some rules that make you think:

“Wait... why though?”

Thanks to social media, some of these bizarre rules have been getting a lot more attention lately.
Here are five of the weirdest!

No Dyeing Your Hair

At most Japanese schools, you’re not allowed to dye your hair.

Sounds simple enough, but here’s where it gets strange:

If your natural hair color isn’t black—say, it’s a little brown—you might be forced to dye it black.

Apparently, there’s an unspoken belief that “everyone’s hair should be jet black if they’re Japanese.”

Even weirder, if your hair is naturally curly or wavy, some schools require a “Natural Hair Certificate.”

Yes, really.

You have to bring in childhood photos and have your parents certify,

“This is my child’s natural hair.”

Ponytails Are Banned (For Girls)

In some schools, girls aren’t allowed to wear ponytails.

Why?
Because “seeing the back of a girl’s neck could excite male students.”

...Yeah. I’m not sure what to say about that either.

No Coats in Winter

Japan gets pretty cold in the winter.
You’d think wearing a coat would be common sense, right?

Not at some schools.
Some actually ban coats with the reasoning:

“Some alumni and students feel proud wearing just the uniform without a coat.”

That’s fine for them, but... shouldn’t everyone else be allowed to dress warmly if they want?

No Bras Under Gym Clothes

At some schools, girls aren’t allowed to wear bras under their gym uniforms.

The reason?

“Because you’ll sweat.”

...And?

Worse still, if a girl’s chest is deemed “large enough,” she might be granted an exception—but the decision is made by a teacher, sometimes even a male teacher, based on visual inspection.

Yeah. It’s as creepy as it sounds.

Thermoses OK, Plastic Bottles Not OK

Students can bring thermos bottles, but not plastic bottles.

The reasoning?

“If everyone has plastic bottles, they might get mixed up and accidentally drink from the wrong one.

But what if everyone brought identical thermoses...?
Also, even if you drank from someone else's bottle by mistake... is that really such a big deal?

The "Ideal" Japanese Student

In Japan, students are expected to embody a very narrow idea of “natural Japanese-ness.”

・No dyed hair
・No makeup
・No plucked eyebrows

And despite what anime or manga might show you, real school uniforms usually require skirts below the knee. Short skirts are pure fantasy.

Students are also expected to be quiet, obedient, and "proper."
Individuality is discouraged; conformity is prized.

Time to Respect Individuality?

The problem is, after graduation, Japanese society suddenly demands individuality and independent thinking.

But students were never trained to develop those skills.
Not surprisingly, some people struggle with depression after entering the adult world.

Maybe it’s time for Japan’s education system to nurture individuality a little more—for everyone’s sake.