Over 93% of Japanese High School Students Support Genderless School Uniforms

In Japan, 93.2% of high school students hold a positive view on the introduction of genderless uniforms and the ability to choose school attire regardless of gender. The survey , the results of which were published in September 2026, was conducted by Kanko Gakuseifuku, one of the country’s major school uniform manufacturers.

The poll, involving 500 students nationwide, revealed that 50.6% of respondents consider the practice a “very good initiative,” while another 42.6% called it a “good initiative.” Furthermore, 73.4% of those surveyed stated that there are already female students in their schools wearing slacks instead of skirts. However, despite the high level of conceptual acceptance, many students expressed concerns about the reactions of their peers. When asked about the potential consequences for a student choosing a non-traditional uniform (for example, a male student wearing a skirt), nearly 60% responded that “it might feel strange at first, but people will get used to it.” At the same time, some respondents acknowledged that such a student might “stand out in class” (18.4%), attract unwanted stares (14.4%), become the subject of rumors (8.6%), or even face bullying (5.4%).

High school students themselves believe changes are necessary for schools to create a safe environment for uniform selection: 51.8% of participants identified “classes providing accurate information on LGBTQ and diversity” as the primary need, 41.2% suggested revising school rules, and 22.2% expect more proactive explanations from teachers.