Are you curious to know what is considered tall in Japan? If you are not aware, it has its standards based on the average height of Japanese people.
In this article, we will profoundly understand what Japan considers tall.
We will examine how height is measured in Japan, the average height of men and women in Japan, and how it impacts social status in Japan.
We will also explore its cultural significance and health implications. So, let’s get started!
Introduction to Japan’s Height Standards
Japan is known for its unique culture and customs, reflected in its citizens’ height and dark hair.
In Japan, height is one of the most essential factors in determining social status. This means if you are tall, you will be treated differently than someone who is not. So, what is considered tall in Japan?
The answer to this question depends on various factors, including gender, age, and region.
Generally speaking, a man is considered tall if he is over 180cm or 5ft 11 inches, and a woman is considered tall if she is over 165cm or 5ft 5 inches.
Height is considered to be a top Japanese beauty standard.
How Height is Measured in Japan
Height in Japan is measured using the metric system, the same system used in the rest of the world.
The height is measured in centimeters (cm) and meters (m). You can use an online calculator or a traditional height chart to convert feet and inches to centimeters.
In Japan, height is also expected to be measured using the Japanese “shaku” unit. One shaku is equal to 30.3 cm (1 ft). This unit is still used in some parts of Japan but is mostly outdated.
Factors that Determine ‘Tall’ in Japan
Several factors determine what is considered tall in Japan. These include gender, age, and region.
Gender: Generally speaking, a guy is considered tall if he is over 180cm (5ft 11 in), and a woman is considered tall if she is over 165cm (5ft 5 in). However, these numbers can vary depending on the region and the person’s age.
Age: Height is generally used to measure age in Japan. For example, young children are often measured in shaku (1 shaku equals 30.3 cm or 1 ft). In addition, teenagers and young adults are usually measured in centimeters.
Region: Being considered tall can also vary depending on the region. For example, people in Tokyo tend to be taller than people in rural areas.
Average Height of Men and Women in Japan vs Other Countries
Using Wikipedia’s average height table by country as a reference, the average height of men in Japan is 171.8 cm (5 ft 7.5 in), and the average height of women is 158.6 cm (5 ft 3 inches).
Compared to its neighboring Asian countries like China and Korea, the average height is very similar.
Chinese males have an average height of 172.6 cm (5 ft 8 in), while females are 160.6 cm (5 ft 3 in). On the other hand, Korean males are 174.5 cm (5 ft 8+1⁄2 in), and females are 162.3 cm (5 ft 4 in).
However, compared to European countries like the Netherlands, where people are much taller [males 174.5 cm (5 ft 8+1⁄2 in) and females 162.3 cm (5 ft 4 in)], men and women in Asia are significantly smaller.
Also, according to a 2017 survey by Statista, U.S. men usually stand a whopping 189 cm (6’2″) tall, while American women are around 167 cm (5’6″).
Japan doesn’t have an official definition for “tall” other than general height-based career restrictions, such as needing to be over 165 cm tall to become a flight attendant or over 180 cm tall to become a bodyguard.
But generally speaking, current research suggests that heights over 173cm (male) and 161cm (female) are considered tall by Japanese standards.
Notable Tall Athletes in Japan
Yasutaka Okayama, Japan’s tallest player, made an uproar for being the tallest basketball player ever drafted into the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1981.
There is also Kento Asano, a volleyball player standing at 206cm (6 ft 7 in), who currently holds the position of middle-blocker at Waseda University in Japan as a volleyball player.
Being tall also played a role in Japan’s men’s national volleyball team winning a bronze medal at the Tokyo 1964 Olympic Games. Unfortunately, their height did not play to their advantage when they failed to qualify for the 2014 FIVB World Championship.
Don’t forget Akebono Tarō, a Japanese sumo wrestler, stands tall at 203 cm (6 ft 8 in) and weighs 514 lb (233 kg). Renowned as one of history’s tallest and most aggressive sumo wrestlers, he clinched his 11th top-division title in November 2000.
Following this achievement, Akebono departed from the Sumo Association, venturing into kickboxing and mixed martial arts from 2003 to 2006.
Height as a Social Indicator in Japan
Height is one of the most critical social indicators in Japan.
Taller people are often seen as more successful and are often given higher positions in the workplace. Shorter people are often seen as less successful and may be overlooked for specific jobs.
It is also used to measure age in Japan. Young children are often measured in shaku, and teenagers and young adults are usually measured in centimeters.
Moreover, taller people are often seen as more successful and are often given higher positions in the workplace. Shorter people are often seen as less successful and may be overlooked for specific jobs.
Height and Stereotypes in Japan
In Japan, there are certain stereotypes associated with being tall and short.
Taller people are often seen as more successful and are often given higher positions in the workplace. Shorter people are often seen as less successful and may be overlooked for specific jobs.
Meanwhile, taller men are seen as more attractive and powerful, while shorter men are seen as less attractive and weaker.
Taller women are seen as more attractive and attractive, while shorter women are seen as less attractive and unattractive.
Cultural Significance of Height in Japan
Height plays a vital role in Japanese culture.
In Japan, tall people are often seen as more successful and are often given higher positions in the workplace. Shorter people may be overlooked for particular jobs.
It is also used to measure age in Japan. Young children are often measured in shaku, and teenagers and young adults are usually measured in centimeters.
Height is also used to determine social status.
Taller people are often seen as more successful and are often given higher positions in the workplace. Shorter people are often seen as less successful and may be overlooked for specific jobs.
Success and social standing in Japan are also commonly measured in height.
Taller people are often seen as more successful and are often given higher positions in the workplace. Shorter people may be overlooked for particular jobs.
How Height Impacts Social Status in Japan
Height plays a vital role in determining social status in Japan.
Taller people are often seen as more successful and are often given higher positions in the workplace. Shorter people may be overlooked for specific jobs.
Height is also seen as a measure of success and social standing in Japan. Taller people are seen as more successful and influential, while shorter people are seen as less successful and weaker.
This can significantly impact a person’s social status and chances of getting a job or promotion.
Height is also seen as an indicator of attractiveness in Japan. Taller men are seen as more attractive and powerful, while shorter men are seen as less attractive and weaker.
Future Perspectives on Height Perception in Japan
Looking ahead, I think how height is seen in Japan will change.
Society’s evolving norms and the global scene will likely play a role. Diversity is vital, and I see a shift towards embracing various body types and heights, making beauty ideals more inclusive.
Fashion trends will be interesting. Styles like oversized clothing or platform shoes might challenge or reinforce height norms, making the whole “tallness thing” more flexible.
Also, as globalization begins, we’ll lean towards more universal beauty qualification, moving away from the usual Japanese ideals. Soon, we’ll stop asking if a Japanese can have naturally curly hair or have blonde locks.
People are becoming more aware of societal pressures affecting self-esteem. This awareness could make society more empathetic, questioning rigid height norms. Tech and media will be big influencers, too.
Virtual and augmented reality might shake up the established rules in diet and beauty standards in Japan, including those tied to height.
Being healthy and into sports is getting more attention. This focus could shift from just height to overall well-being, changing what we find attractive.
Education will play a part, too. Teaching about body image and diversity might create a future generation that is less hung-up on height.
