Japanese companies ban women from wearing glasses at work. Internet is angry
Some Japanese companies have banned women from wearing glasses at work. The internet posted angry tweets in response to this.
Some Japanese companies deciding to ban women from wearing spectacles at work has led to widespread condemnation and sparked heated discussions on social media, the media reported on Friday.
According to Japanese media reports, the companies have "banned" eyewear for female employees for various reasons, the BBC reports. Among them, some retail chains reportedly said glasses-wearing shop assistants gave a "cold impression".
It was not clear whether the "ban" was based on company policies, or rather reflected what was socially accepted practice in those workplaces. But the topic has led to heated debates on social media.
The hashtag #glassesareforbidden has been popular in Japan and the topic continued to attract tweets on Friday.
Sample the tweets here:
I've never heard anything so ridiculous as #glassesareforbidden. I'm blind as a bat , couldn't even see the computer screen without mine. How could I do my job? Ferrymans Daughter (@FerrymansDaugh1) November 8, 2019
Can we call ourselves the greatest generation now? #glassesareforbidden Danny Heeter (@DannyHeeter) November 8, 2019
Really Japan..I love wearing glasses I never have contact lenses.I have close 20 glasses and I wear glasses like wear cloth. With means one of my identities. I think many of people wearing glasses have reason. #glassesareforbidden for only Women. Nonsense! MARIKO IWASA / (@MARIKOROSSO) November 9, 2019
So, I hear glasses are banned for Japanese women in the workplace. Step into the 17th century Japan! #glassesareforbidden #Japan #Nippon Kristie Lewis (@Kristie76024677) November 8, 2019
A similar workplace controversy in Japan over high heels had also received flak on the social media. Actor and writer Yumi Ishikawa launched a petition calling for Japan to end dress codes after being made to wear high heels while working at a funeral parlour.
The movement attracted a stream of support and a strong social media following. Supporters tweeted the petition alongside the hashtag #KuToo in solidarity with her cause, mirroring the #MeToo movement against sexual abuse.
The slogan plays on the Japanese words for shoes "kutsu" and pain "kutsuu".
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