Genderless uniform trend accelerating in Japan

Traditional school uniforms are frequently designed differently for females and males. In recent years, Japanese schools have begun introducing genderless uniforms, following a global trend of supporting gender minorities.

About 40% of Japanese schools have introduced genderless uniforms or a selective system

Conventional Japanese school uniforms are often ruled as pants for men and skirts for women. In Japan, genderless school uniforms include uniforms with common designs for both men and women (blazer and pants), as well as a selective system where students can choose between pants or skirts, and a tie or ribbon as they wish.

In 2015, the government published a guideline to support gender-diverse students, which has increased awareness of difficulties facing them at school. Some schools adopted gender-neutral uniforms in 2018, and this has accelerated its introduction.

According to a survey targeting 1,194 public junior high schools conducted by a school uniform supplier called Kanko Gakuseifuku in 2021, approximately 40% of the respondents have introduced genderless uniforms or a selective system. Also, 55.8% of respondents have changed or plan to change their uniform design.

In addition, genderless sports uniforms are also available, as conventional sports uniforms are sometimes divided into different colors for men and women.

School swimwear and bags also become genderless

School swimwear and bags, most notably “randoseru,” which is a backpack for elementary school students, have also been differently designed and colored for each gender.

Swimwear has gradually evolved from the need to protect against sunburn to a desire to deemphasize body shape. In 2022, the first genderless school swimwear was born in Japan. Three schools have decided to introduce it, and 10 other schools are in the process of considering its introduction.

Randoseru was traditionally colored in black for males and red for females. In 2001, AEON launched randoseru in different colors (24 colors in all) for the first time. This was less about addressing gender issues at the time but more about the freedom to choose.

Although more choices became available, according to a survey, more than half of male students chose a black color while lavender, pink, red and sky blue were more prevalent among female students.

While many parents wish to let their children choose their favorite color, they are also concerned that their children may be the target of bullying or teasing if they choose an “unusual” color because some parents have gone through bullying because of it.

Genderless uniforms are an important step toward gender diversity

Since genderless fashion is trending, it is no wonder that these uniforms are promoted as being genderless. This movement can help to increase awareness of issues facing gender minorities, however, it also may lead to outings.

Genderless uniforms are not a goal, but a big step toward achieving gender diversity. We need to keep in mind that it will take time to change the gender stereotypes that have taken root in society, and it is necessary to tackle this issue from multiple angles.

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