Have Japanese schools really banned ponytails for this reason? What we know

Motoki Sugiyama, a former teacher, had taught at five different schools for 11 years and in all these schools, ponytails were banned.

The report of Japanese schools banning ponytails of girls because the exposed nape of the neck can "sexually excite" boys has been widely reported. The reports based around an interview published by Vice are going viral. According to the interview, Japanese schools have always been known for their absurd and strict regulations which are still continuing in some schools. The report said that there is no statistics on how many schools in Japan still ban ponytail but a 2020 survey suggests that about one in 10 schools in Fukoka prohibited ponytails, Vice reported.

These bizarre rules are there for ages and are still being continued, the report said. (Representative image)

The former teacher, Motoki Sugiyama, had taught at five different schools for 11 years and in all these schools, ponytails were banned. And ban on ponytail is just one of such rules. Female students have quite a few restrictions which controls the colour of their hair and also that of their underwears.

The report said Japanese schools dictate the length of the skirt, the shape of the eyebrow, the colour of the underwear and socks. Some schools, according to the report, also demand photographic proof from students of their natural hair colour.

The teacher said the students were never explained any logic behind these restrictions. And though ponytail is not allowed, bob-cut hair is allowed, which too exposes the nape of the neck.