In Japan, a significant movement is underway as women advocate for their right to wear eyeglasses at work. This issue gained traction after a segment aired on Nippon TV, highlighting the absurd beauty standards imposed by many Japanese companies. The hashtag #glassesban has since exploded on Twitter, with individuals around the world voicing their discontent over policies that force women to wear contact lenses instead of glasses.
Beauty Standards and Workplace Policies
The segment pointed out that glasses are deemed inappropriate for women in specific roles, such as shop assistants and those in the beauty industry, where a “cold impression” is considered problematic. Banri Saito, a sales associate in Tokyo, expressed her frustration, noting the inconsistency in rules that allow men to wear glasses while women face restrictions. “If it’s a real issue, shouldn’t all employees be required to wear contacts?” she questioned, drawing a parallel to the high heel mandate many women face in the workplace.
Advocacy and Change
This topic is not new for advocates like Saito, who previously led a petition that garnered over 31,000 signatures against the requirement for women to wear uncomfortable heels at work. Meanwhile, Takumi Yamada, a former Health, Labor and Welfare Minister, defended the practice, stating that it’s widely accepted in society.
Moreover, Kumiko Tanaka, a sociology professor at Kyoto University, criticized these outdated policies, asserting that they reflect archaic views on gender rather than the actual performance of women in their roles. She emphasized that such standards prioritize feminine appearance over professionalism.
Progressive Changes in the Workplace
Interestingly, while Japan grapples with these issues, some companies are making strides toward progressive workplace policies. For instance, Microsoft Japan recently implemented a four-day work week, resulting in a remarkable 40% boost in productivity.
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, the fight for Japanese women to wear eyeglasses at work highlights broader issues of gender discrimination in the workplace. The movement has sparked significant conversations about appearance standards and workplace equality, pushing for a reevaluation of outdated norms.