Archalis comments

The tadition is usually followed by men or boys as a sign of contrition or punishment. Not always. You can not compare Japanese culture to that of the west. Do not get me wrong, she is one of my favorites of the group, but she has the right to apologize as she sees fit. and no one has the right to judge the way she does this until you have actually been in position and mind state. I honestly hope she gets counciling and can work through this. But look at the base, she signed a contract, she broke the rules thinking she would not get caught. Whether the contract seems right or wrong is not the issue. The actions are. This may lead to some reworking of the contract clauses overall and I hope so.

Japan is steeped in tradition that goes back thousands of years. Many japanese still believe in giving an apology in such a way and if that is her belief it is not my place to say what she believes is wrong! As stated prior to this comment a woman's hair is as precious to her as anything, to give it up is saying I am bared naked before you begging forgiveness. I do not care who says it is barbaric or such it was her right to shave her head and make her apology as she saw fit and she has done so. She has been demoted to trainee, she has been punished for breach of contract.