Letter From Tokyo

‘Genderless uniforms’ gaining traction across Japan

Uniform possibilities for girls at Tokyo’s Mizue Daini Junior High School include wearing a blazer with a ribbon and skirt or a blazer with a necktie and trousers. PHOTO: COURTESY OF MIZUE DAINI JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
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TOKYO – Mr Hinata Kubo attended senior high school wearing a skirt “once or twice a week”, alternating with trousers depending on his mood.

That was a personal choice, with his alma mater giving students the freedom to mix and match their outfits in a policy of “genderless uniforms” that is gaining traction throughout Japan.

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