Most prefectural high schools in east Japan pref. have natural hair color rules

SAITAMA -- More than 60% of prefectural full-time high schools in east Japan's Saitama Prefecture require students to submit proof of their natural hair color, the Saitama Prefectural Board of Education announced Oct. 15 following an investigation into rules enforced by all of the prefecture-run schools.

Experts have stated that forcing the students to submit the documentation which states they haven't dyed their hair or permed it constitutes an "infringement of their privacy." The prefectural board of education is asking each school to review its rules.

The submission of real hair confirmation certificates was required at 88 of 134 regular prefectural high schools. Apart from school rules on hair and clothing, 127 of the schools ban perms, undercut styles that keep the sides short and the top longer, among other hair styling options. Nine schools had rules on the color and designs on underwear.

(Japanese original by Reiko Oka, Saitama Bureau)