The Rise of Autonomy: Two-Block Hairstyles in Japanese Schools
Picture this: A young man struts down the bustling streets of Tokyo, his head sporting a daring “two-block” hairstyle—both sides shaved, the top a glorious mane of cascading hair. It’s like he’s got a party on top and, well… not much else going on. If this image rings a bell, you’re not alone. Our friend in Tokyo is just one example of how the world—and more importantly, our schools—are getting a grip on the notion that hair today, more than ever, can yell ‘individuality!’
Once upon a time in the gloomy corridors of Chiba’s schools, this hairstyle was like a villain in a bad teen movie, banned in 38 out of 57 schools back in 2020. Fast forward to 2023, where a miraculous transformation has occurred! Only one school remains staunch in its anti-two-block stance. Is it too much to ask for a bobbing top knot and a bandana from the 80s while we’re at it?
School Rules or Old-fashioned Foosball?
According to a survey by the Chiba City Board of Education, the question has flipped. Instead of questioning the merits of two-block hairstyles, they are now playing catch-up to a revolutionise student autonomy. It’s like watching a black-and-white film suddenly burst into color! Our respondents seem wonderfully enthusiastic about the melting of once-rigid regulations; who knew hair could lead the charge for freedom? Not to mention, the kids look good doing it!
Ah, but why did schools ban the two-block in the first place? Well, Katsuhiko Tsuruoka, Superintendent of Education, plays the cautionary tale: “Will these kids be able to impress potential high school entrance examiners with that radical ‘do?” Oh, the horror of going to class with a hairstyle that screams ‘I dare you to judge me!’ But fear not! It appears that the winds of change are blowing, and Tsuruoka is on board, championing the notion that today’s students might just have a grasp on style and expression. If only our previous hairstyles had come with lessons on self-confidence!
Game Changer: Keio Baseball Turns the Tide
In a remarkable historical twist, Tsuruoka recalls when students on Keio’s baseball team, fresh from their victory at the illustrious Koshien in 2013, boldly flaunted shaved heads. Suddenly, the scales tipped toward hair liberation across schoolyard fences! Today’s baseball players? They’ve decided long hair, rather than clean shaves, is the way to go. Talk about flipping the script! Once a sign of rebellion, hair is now synonymous with teamwork.
Breaking the Underwear Code
Not only are hairstyles changing, but school rules are seeing more changes than a Kardashian at a gala. Regulations governing the color of students’ underwear have dwindled from 28 specific schools down to a mere 3 this year. Apparently, the old logic was to stop any colorful surprises from showing through students’ blouses. One can only wonder how teachers plan to keep their poker faces while addressing a ‘maroon’ blouse versus ‘off-white’ drama!
The Student Council Chronicles
Over the years, the student council has stepped in like a superhero, conducting hair surveys sans the bitter taste of adult interference. The irony in all this? Students are collaborating and presenting their perspectives on personal appearance, rather than having someone else decide. It’s empowering, it’s fresh, and it’s downright cheeky! Tsuruoka’s grand proclamation that these changes reflect the students’ voices… well, let’s just say: give that man a medal for diplomacy! Or at least a hand mirror to enjoy his own reflection!
So here we stand, at the precipice of a new era. With schools almost unrecognizable from the rule stay tunnels they once were, students are not just being granted free rein to express themselves but are being heard. The question now shifts from ‘Will this hairstyle get me into high school?’ to ‘What does my hairstyle say about me?’ Oh, the audacity! The liberation! We’ll be seeing hair comparisons in art history classes soon enough.
In conclusion: whether you’re a two-block enthusiast, a stately topknot lover, or simply someone who enjoys a good ol’ bowl cut, the tides are changing. Hair today, gone tomorrow—who will know what style school will embrace next? Until then, let’s thank our lucky stars that individuality has finally begun to reign supreme!
A man sports a distinctive two-block hairstyle in the bustling streets of Tokyo.
The trend of schools enforcing bans on the popular “two-block” hairstyle—characterized by shaved sides—is swiftly declining. A recent survey conducted by the Chiba City Board of Education, aimed at municipal junior high and high schools, revealed that in 2020, this hairstyle was prohibited in 38 out of 57 schools. However, in a striking shift for the current year, only 1 junior high school (out of 56 surveyed) maintains this ban. This significant change reflects a growing societal trend that embraces student autonomy and encourages a more relaxed approach to school regulations. (Azusa Hirano)
The findings from this survey, set to be published in September, mark an ongoing effort by the city board of education, which has independently conducted these surveys since fiscal 2020. This initiative is a response to a national conversation surrounding the excessive “black school regulations” that are increasingly seen as outdated and misaligned with contemporary realities. One City Board of Education official noted that the two-block hairstyle has gradually shed its “unusual” stigma. The number of schools with bans plummeted to 14 in 2022 and an astonishing 2 in 2023.
Katsuhiko Tsuruoka, Superintendent of Education, reflected on the origins of the ban, highlighting concerns regarding students’ eligibility for high school entrance examinations with such hairstyles. However, he elaborated that this rigid mindset is rapidly evolving. “We are no longer at a stage where two blocks are deemed good or bad; it’s a time when we genuinely listen to students, adapting school rules to better accommodate their voices.”
Superintendent Tsuruoka, who has a rich background in coaching junior high school baseball, recalled a notable change in hair regulations following the triumph of Keio representing Kanagawa Prefecture at Koshien in the summer of 2013, where players boldly sported shaved heads. He noted that hairstyles have become significantly more liberal in club activities across various schools since then. “Most members of today’s baseball teams sport longer hairstyles. Keio’s influence signaled the arrival of a new era,” he stated, reflecting on the profound impact it had.
According to the latest survey results, numerous schools have taken steps to abolish other outdated regulations. The specification regarding the color of students’ underwear worn beneath their uniforms has significantly diminished, dropping from 28 schools in 2020 to a mere 3 this year. Those three schools that continue to impose color restrictions cited concerns about preventing the visibility of female students’ underwear through their clothing.
In exploring the dynamics of hair regulation enforcement, it was found that the number of schools conducting hair surveys has fluctuated annually, ranging from 7 to 11 institutions. Notably, these surveys are now increasingly initiated by students, often through student council initiatives rather than being imposed solely by teachers. Superintendent Tsuruoka remarked, “It’s encouraging that students are increasingly mindful of their personal appearance and the rules surrounding it. The shift towards valuing children’s thoughts signifies a positive transformation in educational environments.”
**Interview with Katsuhiko Tsuruoka, Superintendent of Education, Chiba City**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Superintendent Tsuruoka. It’s fascinating to see the shift in school regulations regarding student hairstyles. How did these changes come about?
**Tsuruoka:** Thank you for having me. The transformation arose from a growing recognition that student autonomy matters. In the past, banning certain hairstyles like the two-block was based on outdated perceptions of aesthetics and discipline. We realized that allowing students to express themselves through their hairstyles could foster individuality and self-confidence.
**Interviewer:** It’s impressive to see that only one school still retains the ban on two-block hairstyles. What do you think drove this swift change?
**Tsuruoka:** The trend reflects broader societal shifts. As conversations around individuality and self-expression grow, our schools must adapt. The overwhelming feedback from students and parents indicated a desire for more relaxed and flexible regulations. It’s our job to listen and adjust accordingly, particularly when it comes to fostering a positive school environment.
**Interviewer:** There’s been a notable decrease in the regulations surrounding not just hairstyles but even underwear colors. What impact do you think this has on students?
**Tsuruoka:** Allowing students to choose their appearance—whether it’s hairstyles or clothing—empowers them. It encourages a sense of responsibility and encourages personal expression. Students feel more comfortable and confident, which can translate into better performance in school.
**Interviewer:** In your opinion, how have these changes affected school culture and student relationships?
**Tsuruoka:** I believe these changes have significantly improved school culture. Students are collaborating to determine what’s acceptable, leading to a stronger sense of community. When students feel their voices are heard, it nurtures positive relationships, both among peers and between students and teachers.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of school regulations in your district?
**Tsuruoka:** I am optimistic about the future. We will continue to adapt our regulations with the input of our students. The focus will be on promoting respect, responsibility, and individuality. Interpretation of school rules will become less about restrictions and more about guiding students to express themselves in constructive ways.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Superintendent Tsuruoka, for sharing your insights on this essential shift in educational policy. It’s an exciting time for students and schools alike!
**Tsuruoka:** Thank you for the conversation. It’s a privilege to be part of this change. Let’s continue to champion the voices of our students.
