In a bold move that’s shaking up Japan’s traditionally rigid workplace culture, more companies are ditching outdated appearance rules to attract and retain talent in a fiercely competitive labor market. But here’s where it gets controversial: while some see this as a long-overdue step toward individuality, others worry it’s eroding the country’s professional standards. Let’s dive in.
As of November 17, 2025, a growing number of Japanese firms, particularly smaller ones grappling with acute labor shortages, are relaxing rules around hair color, nail polish, and accessories. Take 22-year-old Hinako Mori, for example. When she moved to Tokyo, she chose to work part-time at Don Quijote, a major discount retailer, for one simple reason: they don’t police her hair color. Sporting ash-blonde locks with blue streaks, Mori dyes her hair every six weeks—a freedom she never had at her previous job with a major convenience store chain, where black or dark brown hair was mandatory. “I once dyed my hair blonde, but I was told to wear a wig or use spray-on color,” she recalls. “It was incredibly stressful.”
This shift isn’t just about self-expression; it’s a survival tactic. Japan’s tight labor market, fueled by a rapidly aging population and limited immigration, has seen its working-age population shrink by 16% since 1995, according to OECD data. Two-thirds of Japanese firms report that labor shortages are seriously impacting their business, and it’s become the leading cause of bankruptcies in recent months. And this is the part most people miss: smaller companies, unable to compete with higher wages, are using relaxed dress codes as a recruitment tool.
Don Quijote, for instance, eased its hair and nail polish rules three years ago. Today, nearly a quarter of its employees sport brightly colored hair, and 55% have non-black hair when brown shades are included. Drugstore chain Fuji Yakuhin has gone even further, allowing non-pharmacist employees to wear any hair color, nail art, heavy makeup, and all types of rings—a stark contrast to its previous policy permitting only wedding rings. Similarly, Tokyu Store supermarkets have loosened restrictions on hair, accessories, nail polish, and piercings.
This trend isn’t entirely new. Japan’s gradual relaxation of dress codes began in 2005 with the environment ministry’s “Cool Biz” campaign, which encouraged ditching jackets and ties to reduce air conditioning costs. Since then, summer attire has become more casual, uniforms have been optional for many department store employees, and even taxi drivers no longer need to wear white gloves. But the latest changes go beyond comfort—they’re about attracting a younger, more individualistic workforce.
A survey by job recruitment firm Mynavi found that two-thirds of students believe they should be able to choose their appearance for part-time work, and one-third have withdrawn job applications due to strict dress codes. “Students aren’t just looking for a paycheck,” explains Shota Miyamoto, a Mynavi researcher. “They want freedom and comfort in their jobs.” Yet, this desire for self-expression often stops at part-time roles; full-time positions still carry higher expectations of conformity.
While Japan is undeniably loosening up, some Western norms remain off-limits. Multiple piercings and facial tattoos, for example, are still frowned upon in many workplaces. Tattoos, traditionally associated with the yakuza, are often required to be concealed to avoid intimidating customers. And despite the progress, many traditional big-name companies remain hesitant to embrace these changes. Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp, for instance, has no official policies on hair or nail polish but subtly enforces an unspoken rule: don’t rock the boat with your appearance.
Even major firms are slowly adapting. Japan Airlines recently joined Tokyo Metro and Skymark Airlines in allowing staff to wear sneakers to work—a small but symbolic step toward modernity. But the question remains: is Japan moving fast enough to meet the demands of its younger workforce, or are these changes merely a band-aid on a deeper cultural issue?
What do you think? Are relaxed dress codes a necessary evolution or a step too far? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation!
