Anti-high heels campaigner steps up to fight 'glasses ban'

Ishikawa's latest petition to relax the rules, delivered to the labor ministry on Tuesday, has attracted more than 31,000 signatures.

Not THAT popular of a person if this could only gain this many signatures in a country of 120 Million plus!

How about starting with banning photos, dates of birth, and marital statuses on resumes and job applications? Time to join the the 20th century on these things, Japan.

Ms Ishikawa is battling against an ingrained do-not-question culture-good luck with that!

How about banning job interviewers that haven't read the resume of the person before they come in.

Another example of Japanese activism, refuting the stereotypes of the meek and afraid to speak out Japanese.

Also, she's an actress and freelance writer. What business does she have dictating what people wear in the offices. People don't like dress codes, then don't work there.

How about starting with banning photos, dates of birth, and marital statuses on resumes and job applications? Time to join the the 20th century on these things, Japan.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I do believe that outside of the photo's the rest of what you wrote here is a is not illegal on a job application, particularly when it is needed for background checks. as it is a necessity to complete the check accurately.

Even for certain positions here in Japan, background checks are made with the Japanese Police as well.

Another example of Japanese activism, refuting the stereotypes of the meek and afraid to speak out Japanese.

Agreed. You’ve become more accurate with this complaint. I’m proud of you, sport.

Also, she's an actress and freelance writer. What business does she have dictating what people wear in the offices. People don't like dress codes, then don't work there.

You have obviously completely missed the point.

Another example of Japanese activism, refuting the stereotypes of the meek and afraid to speak out Japanese.

Also, she's an actress and freelance writer. What business does she have dictating what people wear in the offices. People don't like dress codes, then don't work there.

She also has a photo-book of her as well and well it's pretty revealing, but that does not change her message!

Correct me if I am wrong, but I do believe that outside of the photo's the rest of what you wrote here is a is not illegal on a job application, particularly when it is needed for background checks. as it is a necessity to complete the check accurately.

@Yubaru

I can't speak for most countries. But that information is optional. Also, background checks can only begin after offering you the job. Prior to that, they can't perform a background check.

Resumes only require your name, contact information, employment history, education history, and relevant skills.

Applications require date of birth because they can't have minors sending in information or in certain industries where there is an age requirement (bar).

Race, sex, and marital status isn't required. They are optional, can be left blank, and cannot be forced to fill it out.

She goes to far in her protest against heels. The sneakers look silly with her other clothing. She has given up any sense of fashion just to prove a point.

How about starting with banning photos, dates of birth, and marital statuses on resumes and job applications? Time to join the the 20th century on these things, Japan.

Photos let me see if someone knows how to take care of their looks.

Knowing someone’s date of birth let me know if they are too old for a position. It also tells me their generations so I can get an idea of what sort of things they may like or dislike etc.

Knowing someone’s marital status it’s also very important when considering that many women quit after getting married.

Ban these things and you’re going to waste peoples time. if a sloppily dress person shows up, I’m either going to send them home or just give a per functionary interview and not call them back. I’m going to ask them their age and I’m going to ask them their marital status. And I will certainly take all the things into consideration when deciding to hire them or not. And if someone says “you can’t ask me that“ then I will say ” oh, I’m very sorry.“ And then finished interview in a hire them.

And not hire them.

Photos let me see if someone knows how to take care of their looks.

No it doesnt, just means that know how to have their picture taken for an application!

Also, she's an actress and freelance writer. What business does she have dictating what people wear in the offices. People don't like dress codes, then don't work there.

Doesn't she also work at a funeral parlour? That's the example that was given at the time the ku#too thing broke. There is no shame in it, no shame at all, but she may be an underemployed actress and freelance writer. There are plenty of freelance writing jobs that pay literally nothing.

For anyone (esp. men like me) wondering why funeral parlour staff wear "high heels", the shoes in question are formal shoes with 5cm heels. They are not the high heels you might see in a beauty contest.

Campaigners have said high heels are akin to modern foot-binding while others have urged other dress codes, such as the near-total donning of business suits for men, to be loosened in the Japanese workplace.

Hear Hear!

Another example of Japanese activism, refuting the stereotypes of the meek and afraid to speak out Japanese.

BS, keeping saying the same thing does not make you right. The reality contradicts you:

Ishikawa's latest petition to relax the rules, delivered to the labor ministry on Tuesday, has attracted more than 31,000 signatures

31,000 signatures is pathetically low. Just pathetic. Which activism are you talking about?

-- including a de-facto ban on women wearing glasses.

Just a reminder on how bizarre this country can be. And more importantly how misogynist it is.

Campaigners have said high heels are akin to modern foot-binding

Uh - no. There is a huge and permanently crippling difference between high heels and foot-binding.

It's now the 21st century....but shhhhh, don't tell Japan Inc.

People don't like dress codes, then don't work there.

The voice of middle aged reactionary man comes through loud and clear.

She goes too far in her protest against heels. The sneakers look silly with her other clothing. She has given up any sense of fashion just to prove a point.

What she wears on her feet is her problem. You may think she looks silly, but she is way out of your league, even if she was wearing Totoro slippers.

How ironic, a no-name actress that also does photo books in revealing poses, she's probably the biggest hypocrite in terms of using exactly the kind of clothing that men like and somehow I don't think we'd be seeing her wearing glasses in any of her gigs. Why doesn't she put her efforts about the unrealistic beauty standards that actresses adhere to?

Sounds to me like she's not getting many gigs and after the failure of kutoo she's just trying to get public attention again. Just an opportunist.

OK, so she doesn't work in an office, but so what if she did, and she was dressed like she is in the photo? I'm a middle-aged man, I think she looks fine, and if she was doing some work for me in an office environment the main thing I would care about is that she did the job properly. And she's not trying to "dictate" what women should wear, she's trying to do the opposite. Glasses aren't a fashion item, they're a physical necessity for people with vision deficiencies, and not everyone is comfortable with contact lenses.

Also too much attention from some commenters on her photo books. Whatever she does or doesn't wear in those has nothing to do with the main point she's making - that for an employer to ban its female employees from wearing glasses is worse than discriminatory, since they're putting a pretty shallow interpretation of "suitable appearance" ahead of the employee's general well-being. Anyway, since when did a woman wearing glasses ever put off a prospective customer?

Anyway, since when did a woman wearing glasses ever put off a prospective customer?

"Men don't make passes at women in glasses."

Indeed another silly campaign that gets publicity way beyond its popularity or impact.  31000 signatures but an awful lot of press coverage.  Far more worthy causes to "campaign" for, if you feel the need.

"Men don't make passes at women in glasses."

Sorry to be boring, but I have to both dispute the accuracy of the statement, and to point out that we're talking about a work situation where the ability to attract "passes" isn't usually part of the job description.

This campaign in which Yumi Ishikawa Sama is engaging is Admirable. High heels should not be mandatory as such items are likely uncomfortable, make walking difficult and are not ideal for foot issues. As a result, high heels should never be a requirement in a work environment whether it is a corporate work environment, restaurant, bakery, factory, etc. There are many professional shoes available that are not high heels but very comfortable.

As to glasses, there should never be a ban on glasses. For many glasses are a necessity. Further, glasses are professional.

In conclusion, there should never be a requirement for anyone to where high heels in any way, shape or form. There should never be a ban on glasses in any way, shape or form. The outfit Yumi Ishikawa Sama is wearing is professional and should meets the seal of approval. Kudos to Yumi Ishikawa Sama.

No it doesnt, just means that know how to have their picture taken for an application!

THANK YOU! It shows that people know how to follow simple instructions and a process to produce a desired result. And NOW we have the correct answer! Thank you for participating Yubaru!

And I suppose next will be bras?

Do Japanese people ever grow tired of being told what to do?

In the West, it's pretty common for HR personnel (who are mostly women) to hire someone because he is good-looking.

There are presentable options in both eyewear and lower heels, if the argument is about what is presentable in the corporate workplace.

A person should be hired for their ability, their tenacity, and what they add to the company.

This outdated notion of a high heel wearing office servant needs a make-over.

nope, enough of this, women already have way way too much slack in workplace appearance.

I think high heels and proper office attire - suits should be either mandatory or totally banned for both men and women.

and she will get nowhere, she is not an actress and she is not a writer either she is just skilless temp employee with no prospects trying to make some noise and get noticed.

@YubaruToday 08:24 am JST

No it doesnt, just means that know how to have their picture taken for an application!

Sure, but on the other hand, it can show the applicant has the minimal dedication and ability to at least fake it for the photo. A significant percentage of people can't/won't even do that, so as a filter it is useful.

and if we are honest, she should be more concerned with her appearance if she wants to work in proper firm.. the way she looks i wouldnt let her in an office.

Good on her. I really don't understand the purpose of banning glasses on women anyway. What good is an employee that can't work properly but is compliant of the dress code, are they just for show? Sure, contact lenses exist but those are a pain to put on. And this doesn't add up with pop culture seeing girls with glasses as cute

if employee has dried eyes and can't wear contact lenses, back problem can't wear high heels - result jobless??? what a joke.

Yet another frivolous 'issue' for SJW's to get on their high horses about. As another poster said 'If you don't like the company's rules, work somewhere else'. Let the private sector/ individuals sort these minor issues out without government legislating everything. The government has enough on its hands with real problems like.....

16% of the Japanese living in poverty. =20 million people. =1/6 of children not having their needs met.

Rampant child abuse.

24% of Japanese battle mental illnesses such as depression, alcohol abuse, addiction, etc.

These are the real issues that need govt/our focus and attention.

How about just banning dress code at work? Wear whatever you want. Can someone also fight for men's rights to ban neckties ? What is the purpose of it anyway? It's choking and uncomfortable!

if we want equality at work then let's ban these too, Sempai & Kouhai culture and prioritizing top popular universities when hiring.

How about companies focus on more important things than frivolous superficial things.

For example, eliminating the uniform vacation periods, Golden Week, Obon, Silver Week, etc etc for starters? It's near impossible to go anywhere during this period due to high prices and lack of available tickets.

Or how about raising minimum wage and lowering working hours?

Just for starters,,,,

As another poster said 'If you don't like the company's rules, work somewhere else'.

Yeah, posters on this site regularly try to over simplify life and make it look like someone's difficult situation is a moral failing. I don't think they realize that this simply show's the poster's moral failings, and doesn't achieve the goal they are aiming for whatsoever.

dont like office policies, work elsewhere

Both are legit objections. High heels look painful to wear all day. Women can wear professional looking business shoes that are not high heels. Also, I don't see the problem with wearing glasses in business.

Two common sense causes, but lets hope it stays on common sense issues having to wear a work uniform isn't a problem in fact it makes a lot of employees look sharp and very professional.

dont like office policies, work elsewhere

Reading the reactionary comments from middle aged men makes me realise how angry they are that their power to make women dress in uncomfortable ways is draining.

And they are clearly angry, so they attack the messenger, use labels such as SJW, as though the power of men to dictate what women wear in ways that emphasise their physical appearance over their ability to use their brains is a God given right.

If only they could use their incoherent anger more constructively.

The lack of support for what is a genuine issue is concerning.

I remember at one of our parties, a lady had to put on her glasses as she had to take off her contacts after getting splashed. Another lady in the team asked her to take off her glasses as everyone had to look 'Pretty '.

And none of the ladies were in customer facing roles.

So the problem is with the mindsets, both among men and women and its high time someone took it seriously.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I do believe that outside of the photo's the rest of what you wrote here is a is not illegal on a job application, particularly when it is needed for background checks. as it is a necessity to complete the check accurately.

Requiring photos, marital statuses, and dated of births are illegal in the US. These can be requested after a conditional offer of employment has been made - the condition being passing a background check.

Photos let me see if someone knows how to take care of their looks. 

Give them a job interview to find out.

Knowing someone’s date of birth let me know if they are too old for a position. It also tells me their generations so I can get an idea of what sort of things they may like or dislike etc. 

Give them an interview to find out.

Knowing someone’s marital status it’s also very important when considering that many women quit after getting married.

That’s a risk you take when you want the services of people. Look at what’s happening to the labor force in Japan exactly because of attitudes like yours. Japan is opening up to immigration to satiate its employment needs.

The government has enough on its hands with real problems like.....

16% of the Japanese living in poverty. =20 million people. =1/6 of children not having their needs met.

Japan has lots of social issues to tackle, as do many countries.

However, putting the question to you, what is the precise number of people remaining in poverty (or other social issue) that it would be appropriate to open the book marked "dress code" and put a line through the bit that says that women must dress in the office in a way that sexually objectifies them?

I think that you would always find a issue that is higher priority (and almost impossible to solve). But I don't think it is your fight against poverty that really puts this to the back of the line but rather your fight against so-called 'SJWs'. They really annoy you with their demands not to be forced to wear physically damaging shoes to work.

Knowing someone’s date of birth let me know if they are too old for a position. It also tells me their generations so I can get an idea of what sort of things they may like or dislike etc.

Could you explain what you mean by "too old" for a position? I presume you work in the entertainment industry, hiring hostesses and the like, because I struggle to see what other jobs age would immediately preclude you from. And did you not know that people sometimes (shock, horror) use photos of themselves when they were younger?

Even physical labouring jobs, there are plenty of men in their 50s stronger than men in their 20s. What you are describing just sounds like you are using age discrimination to cover up for sexual discrimination.

And as for sorting out their likes and dislikes, what's that got to do with you? If they have applied to do the job, then they are presumably willing to do the activity for which you are going to pay them for. Putting aside the adage of not judging a book by its cover, what more do you need to know?

@noypikantokuToday 03:13 pm JST

ban these too, Sempai & Kouhai culture

You might fight against the excesses but how would eliminating it altogether even be possible? There will always be a hierarchy in a company, and usually those who have been here longer will be in the superior positions, or at least have more experience and be the "go-to" guys.

@Chip StarToday 05:15 pm JST

Give them a job interview to find out.

Sure, you might find a diamond in the rough, but isn't that, on the whole, being deliberately inefficient?

Jj jetplane:

Race and sex (and even religion) can be mostly determined by your name though. Can you guess the following for the applicants:

Muhammed bin Dakran

Rajesh Singh

Sophia McDowell

Yukio ishikawa

Employers do infer this, whether they want to or not.

Ahso:

Age discrimination is everywhere. A 12 year old cant exercise his right to buy beer or vote, for instance. Why is it okay to have a discrimination floor (below age of mattering; 17 and below) but not a discrimination ceiling (60 and above)?

and if we are honest, she should be more concerned with her appearance if she wants to work in proper firm.. the way she looks i wouldnt let her in an office.

I wouldn't let you in a club, so we're all fair and square, innit.

I'd think there would be an appeal for women with glasses. How did that get banned but high heels required?

In the West, it's pretty common for HR personnel (who are mostly women) to hire someone because he is good-looking.

While this may very well be the case, at least they have to have an interview to find out.

Sure, you might find a diamond in the rough, but isn't that, on the whole, being deliberately inefficient?

Sometimes we have to sacrifice efficiency for fairness.

Chip StarToday  06:16 pm JST

Sometimes we have to sacrifice efficiency for fairness.

Sure, but are even getting that? Often, employers know they don't want a particular type. Maybe it is completely unobjective. Maybe there is an objectivity but one that the law insists they have to pretend it does not exist. But you don't want particular demographics barring a miracle.

If, in order to comply with anti-discrimination law you pretend to invite the applicant and then not take him, how does this make things any fairer?

If, in order to comply with anti-discrimination law you pretend to invite the applicant and then not take him, how does this make things any fairer?

Because you have to at least listen to the applicant instead of making a judgement based on looks, age, or marital status. Only one of those three is really under our control.

It is impossible to get a sense of a persons true capabilities without an interview.

Do you happen to be a lawyer? I ask because some of your posts sound exactly like they come from a lawyer.

Well then just hand out uniforms, shoes and masks to hide glasses.

If, in order to comply with anti-discrimination law you pretend to invite the applicant and then not take him, how does this make things any fairer?

Because it is society saying that behaviour is unacceptable. That message is an important one to send, because not doing this tells the bigots that their behaviour is accepted by society. And that is an unhealthy society.

Because it is society saying that behaviour is unacceptable. That message is an important one to send, because not doing this tells the bigots that their behaviour is accepted by society. And that is an unhealthy society.

Well stated, except the extraneous vowels.

@oldman_13

Another example of Japanese activism, refuting the stereotypes of the meek and afraid to speak out Japanese.

Also, she's an actress and freelance writer. What business does she have dictating what people wear in the offices. People don't like dress codes, then don't work there.

So what if she's an actress? Does that mean she isn't entitled to an opinion? Would YOU prefer women who need glasses to be forced not to wear them to make them look less 'cold'? Where do you stand on heels? Short skirts? Maybe wearing the hair up to expose the back of the neck? I know your username is 'Oldman', but you really have to act like one of the oyaji?

Age discrimination is everywhere. A 12 year old cant exercise his right to buy beer or vote, for instance. Why is it okay to have a discrimination floor (below age of mattering; 17 and below) but not a discrimination ceiling (60 and above)?

JuminRhee - I think that you are grasping at straws here. A 12 year old is not legally considered an adult and therefore not mentally competent to decide whether to buy harmful products like beer, vote or give sexual consent etc. An adult is. There are a handful of other areas where age can be used to legitimately discriminate (actors, the military), but very few.

Yes, age discrimination is everywhere, like sexual discrimination, but is is rarely legitimate discrimination.

If, in order to comply with anti-discrimination law you pretend to invite the applicant and then not take him, how does this make things any fairer?

Like how a racist employer might feel if a job applicant turns up for an interview and it turns out he is black. Surely far better to see his photo first, or simply put "no blacks" on the vacancy.

I am hoping that you would not approve of this, but if you do not want that "demographic", should you still have to interview them? This is essentially the question that you ask, but for sex rather than race.

Ahso:

If mental competence is required, a third or more of population would have to be removed from voting, drinking, etc.

@juminRhee

It is related to cognitive abilities, maturity and education. You can start by reviewing your lesson about Piaget :

https://www.verywellmind.com/piagets-stages-of-cognitive-development-2795457

For alcohol, the effect on brain are to be taken into account :

https://healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/F_I/Information-for-parents-alcohol-and-the-developing-brain

There is also discriminating ceiling as the necessities for older driver to get some special check up.

Can someone also fight for men's rights to ban neckties ?

Nobody is stopping you to do it.

I hope you are not one of these which complain that people fight for the issue which concern them instead of fighting for issue which concern yourself when doing nothing.

Hope that in the end thing will work out. There is no point in having dress code rules which negatively affect well-being, security and health of staff.

So what’s wrong with wearing glasses?

If mental competence is required, a third or more of population would have to be removed from voting, drinking, etc.

No they aren't because they are legally considered competent. You are frankly throwing around silly excuses to avoid the real issue.

Yes, age discrimination is everywhere, like sexual discrimination, but is is rarely legitimate discrimination.

Please share an example where there is "legitimate discrimination"

I'm in the U.S. an after seeing the young woman's outfit complete with athletic shoes sitting on the desk I can assure you it's all downhill from here for Japan. Most women here in the U.S. workplace look like they just got out of bed by the way they dress for work but they could certainly take a lesson or two from the way Japanese women currently dress. Just a guy's opinion who appreciates the beauty of the Japanese woman......Down vote away.

If there are two items that are most hazardous to the body they have to be contact lenses and high heels. The first can damage your eyes and the second can damage your feet, legs and back. These are purely aesthetic--"beauty"--items. They have no purpose other than to turn on men, to appeal to their sexual fantasies.

It must be noted that in much erotic photography one will see a totally nude model on a bed wearing high heels.

Ogden Nash wrote in a poem, "Boys seldom make passes / A girl who wear glasses." So do Japanese guys at work fantasize about making passes at women who wear contact lenses? Is that the real purpose of business?

Page bookmarked for future reference.

Sadly not astounded at those posts that reek of sexism, misogyny and men judging women on appearances. Again.

This lady is a hero to all women. I can't admire her enough for standing up and speaking out.

ReeseToday 09:15 am JST

I'm in the U.S. an after seeing the young woman's outfit complete with athletic shoes sitting on the desk I can assure you it's all downhill from here for Japan. Most women here in the U.S. workplace look like they just got out of bed by the way they dress for work but they could certainly take a lesson or two from the way Japanese women currently dress. Just a guy's opinion who appreciates the beauty of the Japanese woman......Down vote away.

Yes, you will be downvoted, and it looks like you know exactly why. Judging women by their appearance instead of their ability to do the job is sexist and demeaning. But thanks for letting us all know where your moral ground lies.

That goes to all of you who seem to think that women's place in society is nothing more than to just to look pretty for you. The arrogance and entitlement of sexist men ... just wow. But I am happy to read the many posts here by men who are equally as disgusted by you as I am.

Glasses too? What other ridiculous rules are there? One has to appreciate the fight against the Stupids

That goes to all of you who seem to think that women's place in society is nothing more than to just to look pretty for you. The arrogance and entitlement of sexist men ... just wow.

That's why they love Japan, I guess. They can still get away with such arrogance, for now.

And of course, not all males in Japan think this way. It's just they have a large disproportionate representation online.

A bad on glasses in the work place???!!! WTF? how on earth do you read paper work or emails if you can't ware glasses? how stupid is this? I am pretty much blind with out mine,

Please share an example where there is "legitimate discrimination"

Of course, Yuybaru.

A military service that puts a maximum age limit on new recruits for training.

A casting director who specifies that those auditioning should be of a certain age/race/sex in order to fit the character.

I could go on.

AI will soon take the positions of most humans and very doubtful these issues will even come up.

A bad on glasses in the work place???!!! WTF? how on earth do you read paper work or emails if you can't ware glasses? how stupid is this? I am pretty much blind with out mine,

"A ban on glasses?" Yes I would agree that's a bridge too far. Let me help you my friend. They have this new invention out called contact lenses. I hear they work pretty much like glasses. Have a great day.

Good on her. No one should be forced to wear high heels or contact lenses, unless companies want to front the bill for insurance and treatment on back injuries, massage, and eye-related illnesses as well as for contacts.

They have this new invention out called contact lenses. I hear they work pretty much like glasses. Have a great day.

I hate contact lenses and wouldn't like to be forced to wear them

Go girl....more young ( and older too :) Japanese should stand up to the nonsensical BS " rules & guidelines " ( created decades ago by out of touch oyajis ) that permeate this island rather than blindly submitting to them.

Our office allows us to wear comfortable shoes as long as it's black or brown and can't be easily distinguishable from dress shooes