In a bold move that’s shaking up Japan’s traditionally rigid workplace culture, more companies are ditching outdated appearance rules to attract and retain talent in a fiercely competitive labor market.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 vibrant blue streaks, Mori changes her hair every six weeks—a freedom she never had at her previous job with a major convenience store chain, which mandated black or dark brown hair. “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 strategy. 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. This has sparked fierce competition for workers, with two-thirds of Japanese firms reporting serious business impacts due to labor shortages, per a Reuters survey. In fact, labor shortages were the leading cause of bankruptcies in the first half of 2025, hitting a 12-year high, according to Tokyo Shoko Research.
And this is the part most people miss: while smaller companies are leading the charge, some big names are joining in. Don Quijote, for instance, relaxed its hair and nail polish rules three years ago, and now nearly a quarter of its employees sport brightly colored hair. 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. Even Tokyu Store supermarkets have eased restrictions on hair, accessories, 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 dress codes have become more casual, uniforms have been optional for many department store employees, and even taxi drivers’ white gloves are no longer mandatory. But the latest changes around hair, nails, and accessories are particularly pronounced in smaller firms, which lack the resources to offer competitive wages and must find other ways to attract talent.
However, not everyone is on board. While Japan Airlines recently allowed staff to wear sneakers, joining the likes of Tokyo Metro and Skymark Airlines, some traditional companies remain hesitant. Tattoos, for example, which are often associated with the yakuza in Japan, are still frowned upon, with workers typically asked to conceal them. And while Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp claims it has no official policies on hair or nail polish, employees understand that pushing boundaries could cause friction.
Young workers, especially part-timers, are driving this change. Two-thirds of students believe they should be able to choose their appearance at work, according to a survey by Mynavi. One-third even withdrew job applications due to restrictive dress codes. “Students aren’t just looking for a paycheck,” explains Shota Miyamoto, a Mynavi researcher. “They want freedom and comfort in their jobs.”
But here’s the question: Is Japan’s workplace culture evolving too slowly, or are these changes a step too far? As companies weigh individuality against professionalism, one thing is clear: the labor crunch is forcing Japan to rethink its traditions. What do you think? Are these changes a welcome shift, or do they risk diluting Japan’s professional identity? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
