Haircut Day (Heakatto no Hi)

What Is Haircut Day?

Every April 5th is "Haircut Day" (Heakatto no Hi) in Japan. It commemorates the 5th day of the 4th month of Meiji 5 on the old lunar calendar (May 11, 1872, on the Gregorian calendar), when Tokyo Prefecture issued an order banning women from cutting their hair short. After the "Sanpatsu Dato Rei" (Edict on Haircuts and Swords) was issued the previous year, in 1871, allowing men to cut off their topknots and wear their hair as they liked, many women began cutting their hair short as well. In response, Tokyo Prefecture banned it, saying that women must not imitate the short haircuts permitted only for men. It's a day to look back on changing times through the history of hairstyles.

Civilization and Enlightenment and the History of Hairstyles

In the early Meiji era, changing one's hairstyle was a symbol of a new age.

• The Sanpatsu Dato Rei: Issued in 1871 (Meiji 4), this order allowed people to choose their hairstyle freely and to stop wearing swords. It was not compulsory, but the "zangiri" cropped hairstyle without a topknot became a symbol of "bunmei kaika" (civilization and enlightenment).
• The "zangiri" craze: A popular saying went, "Tap a zangiri head, and you'll hear the sound of civilization and enlightenment." Cutting off the chonmage topknot, a symbol of the Edo period, visibly marked the shift to a new era.
• Women's short hair afterward: Even after the ban, traditional Japanese hairstyles and "sokuhatsu" updos remained the norm for women. Short hair for women became widely seen from the Taisho to early Showa eras, when the bobbed style of the "modern girl" ("moga") became fashionable.

The Difference Between Barbers and Hairdressers

In Japan, "riyo" (barbering), which mainly involves cutting and trimming hair and shaving, and "biyo" (beauty hairdressing), which involves perms and styling to enhance appearance, are separate licensed professions. Barbers are licensed under the Barbers Act and hairdressers under the Beauticians Act. Incidentally, the spinning red, white, and blue "barber pole" is known as the sign of a barbershop.

Interesting Facts About Haircuts

• How fast does hair grow?: Hair is said to grow about 0.3 to 0.4 mm a day, or roughly 1 cm a month. That works out to around 12 cm a year.
• "Cutting your hair after a breakup": The idea of cutting your hair to make a fresh start has long been familiar. Changing your hairstyle may serve as a clear "dividing line" for both you and those around you.
• Professional scissors: The scissors used by hairdressers and barbers are precisely sharpened to cut hair cleanly, and some are expensive handmade pieces crafted by artisans.
• The new fiscal year and haircuts: With school entrances, new jobs, and transfers all happening at this time, many people get a haircut to look their best.
• The spread of zangiri: In 1873 (Meiji 6), Emperor Meiji himself had his hair cut, which is said to have further spread the zangiri style.

Tips for Marking Haircut Day

• Book a salon or barbershop and get your hair trimmed for the start of the new fiscal year
• Talk to your stylist about a hairstyle or color you've never tried
• After your haircut, take a walk through the spring streets in a lighter mood
• Look at Meiji-era photographs and materials to learn how hairstyles have changed

Freshen Up Your Hair for a New Season

April 5th is a day to look back on Meiji-era events surrounding hairstyles and appreciate the freedom to choose your own. Even a small trim can change your mood more than you'd expect. At the start of the new fiscal year, why not freshen up your look and step forward feeling good?