Recently, the hashtag #glassesban has gained traction on Twitter after a news report highlighted a surprising restriction in many Japanese workplaces: women are often prohibited from wearing eyeglasses while on the job. In contrast to various freedoms enjoyed in the United States—such as free speech and the right to choose one’s attire—this particular issue underscores the ongoing struggle for women in Japan to achieve equal treatment in professional settings.
The segment aired on Nippon TV and revealed that some employers believe glasses project a “cold impression,” pose safety hazards for airline staff, and are unsuitable for women in beauty-related roles, where their meticulously applied makeup might be obscured. Since the broadcast on November 6, both men and women worldwide have expressed their indignation about the policy that mandates female employees to wear contact lenses instead of glasses.
Banri Sakurai, a 40-year-old sales representative in Tokyo, shared her thoughts on the matter: “The focus on appearance leans heavily towards young women, expecting them to embody a feminine image,” she explained in a Bloomberg interview. “It’s peculiar that men can wear glasses but women cannot.” If glasses are deemed inappropriate, shouldn’t this rule apply to all employees, regardless of gender? “If wearing glasses is truly an issue, why not ban them for everyone—both men and women?” continued Sakurai. “The situation mirrors that of high heels, where only female workers face such stipulations.”
In addition to the eyewear controversy, women are also often compelled to wear high heeled shoes at work. Sakurai previously spearheaded a petition that garnered over 31,000 supporters demanding an end to the expectation that women must endure discomfort from heels throughout the workday. At that time, the Health, Labor, and Welfare Minister, Kenji Takahashi, defended the high-heel requirement, stating it was widely accepted as necessary in professional environments.
Makeup regulations pose another challenge; many employers insist that female staff arrive at work with their faces fully made up. This systematic sexism in the workplace is evident across Japan. Kumiko Tanaka, a sociology professor at Kyoto University, criticized these policies as “outdated,” stating, “The reasoning behind women not being allowed to wear glasses is nonsensical. It’s purely about gender discrimination.” She noted that such expectations reflect an antiquated mindset prioritizing traditional femininity over professional competence.
On a positive note, Japan is not entirely stuck in outdated norms. For instance, Microsoft Japan recently pioneered a four-day work week, which resulted in a remarkable 40 percent boost in productivity.
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In summary, the movement among Japanese women to secure the right to wear eyeglasses at work underscores broader issues of gender equality and outdated workplace standards. As these conversations continue, they highlight the need for a reevaluation of policies that prioritize appearance over capability.