Since most people with long hair in Japan are women, the cutting of hair has taken on an additional meaning. So in a way, that cutting of hair is a ceremony that mirrors that of an Edo period Samurai: an end to an era of someones life, and the beginning of another.

Why do samurai have long hair?

In the past, this hairstyle was originally intended to hold the samurai helmet (kabuto) in its place during battles. The shaved pate allows the helmet to fit tightly onto the head. Since the samurai were considered to have high status in society, the chonmage then became a status symbol.

Can Japanese students have long hair?

The measure is designed to uphold strict Japanese standards regarding physical appearance: In addition to prohibiting students from perming or dyeing their hair, many Japanese schools mandate crisp, respectable dress and dont allow overly long or unkempt hair.

Why do Japanese shave their head?

Around 1200, from Kamakura and Muromachi Periods, men began to shave their hair on the top of their heads and put it into topknot, which is well-known at present. In this way, the samurai shaved the hair on the top of their head to prevent itching from getting hot when wearing a helmet.

Why are Japanese tattoos illegal?

During this time, the Yakuza favored tattoos, for they were painful and to get one showed signs of courage and lifelong loyalty to the gang. Laws against tattoos were enforced in 1936 after the war between Japan and China broke out, banning tattoos entirely.