The allowance of hijab in Japan sparks controversy.. Politician attacks the decision: “Stop the Islamic invasion”
The allowance of hijab in Japan sparks controversy.. Politician attacks the decision: “Stop the Islamic invasion”
The decision by the Japanese retail chain “FamilyMart” to allow Muslim female employees to wear hijab during work has sparked a debate in Japan. The decision has been welcomed by some as support for religious and cultural diversity, while others oppose it, seeing it as a change to traditional work rules. The company has introduced hijab into its new appearance guidelines for employees, named “Famima Code”, which is scheduled for implementation from September 1st across approximately 16,500 stores throughout Japan. This change also includes giving employees more freedom in choosing their hair color.
The decision gained media attention following the appearance of hijab-wearing model Ranisa Rahman at a company event, where she asserted that hijab should not be an obstacle for Muslim women in obtaining job opportunities or participating in public life. Rahman expressed her hope that this step will help give hijab-wearing women in Japan more confidence, especially in light of what she described as offensive comments directed at her after her media appearance.
Conversely, the decision has drawn criticism on social media platforms, with some objectors questioning the necessity for Japanese companies to modify their appearance rules to accommodate the religious and cultural practices of foreign workers. Prominent critic, Japanese politician Shunsuke Yamashita, has voiced his opposition to allowing hijab in the retail chain’s stores, using harsh expressions against Islamic presence and calling for the preservation of Japanese traditions and customs.
On the other hand, supporters of the decision argue that allowing hijab does not impose any religious practice on other employees, but rather grants Muslim female employees greater freedom to adhere to their beliefs while at work, as part of a move towards a more diverse and inclusive work environment.
