Many adults expect students to be little more than desk-bound data sponges focused on passing college entrance exams. For all that, some schools do seem to be loosening the rules a little. Four public schools in Chiba prefecture, near Tokyo, recently surrendered to the dictates of fashion and authorized miniskirts for the first time. They told local stores to drop a ban on selling skirts hemmed above the knee. Meanwhile, as Japan's teenage population dwindles each year from declining birthrates, private high schools are turning to fashion consultants to help keep up their enrollment numbers.
Some students even select their school on the basis of the uniform.
Anyway, they acknowledge uniforms sometimes have their uses. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .