Dyed hair and work
 

Hi,
I'm thinking about going to Japan to teach English, but one thing I'm worried about is my hair colour. It's currently dyed a rich red colour and I'm wondering if it would be a problem?
Also, are tattoos still a big problem? I have one, it's on my leg so it wouldn't show too much but I don't want it to cause any drama if my employer/students see it.

Just wear pants. They won't know it's there if they can't see it.

If the original poster is female I don't think she'll be able to in many jobs. Most of the jobs I've seen advertised have specified that women have to wear business suits with skirts, pants/trousers being a no-no.

Are the Japanese really so strict about Tattoos and Piercings in general? :confused:

I mean I find it good if it is that way!

Absolutely they are. And understandably so, they don't value shameless individualism the same way the West does. And it's definitely a good thing.

Oh, I have no idea if they are that strict or not. I just know that (if they are) it may not be a simple case of 'hiding' it, depending on where the tattoo is, as some of the jobs I know require women to wear skirts, in which case the leg would be on show. Tights however - if opaque - would hide any marks on the skin, including tattoos. So in retrospect Myk's point is a good one, it's possible to just hide the tattoo.

I am curious about the dyed hair issue though, does anyone know if that impacts one's chances of getting a job?

For the sake of safety, I'd go with a natural color. Like the tattoo, it's don't ask, don't tell. If they can't tell your hair is dyed, they probably won't ask questions.

You might as well lose the dyed hair, it will not impress anyone here, as a foreigner you will get enough stares even with your natural hair color.

Tattoos and body piercings continue to be frowned upon by employers, and even places like amusement/water parks. More than likely, if you apply for a job with one of the larger schools, their dress code will prohibit visible tattoos, but many teachers do wear slacks, so it's not so much of an issue. As for the amusement/water parks, they will simply deny you entrance.

If you interview for a job, be sure to wear something which will cover the tattoo, especially if you are being interviewed by a Japanese.

foreigners can get away with much much more than Japanese people here...

Also, depending on where you're teaching, the employer may understand that the students generally want the authenticity over the Japan-afflicted version of a westerner to speak with.

As a teacher, I've had my hair died a few different colors, all natural though, and frequently had stubble for a few days while changing beard styles. None of it was even remotely negatively received. In fact it sparked good conversations about cultural differences in employment.

Tattoos are generally fine on foreigners, most people understand that from wherever they're from it doesn't mean the same as it does in Japan.

Consider also that many of those people learning English have either been abroad, are interested in going abroad, or require frequent contact with foreigners due to work etc. In other words, they know how it is elsewhere.

As a teacher, there's no prerequisite to wear a skirt lol. That's absurd.
Although I'd love to be the dirtbag boss that insisted upon it from his Japanese staff and female teachers... maybe it's time to revise that dress code! ;D

At the risk of hijacking someone else's thread . . . yes, I know it's absurd, but I have seen it asked (whether it's legal or not, I'm not too sure). Its been in occasional job postings, and it's also on the James English School webpage: James English School - Teachers - now, perhaps I'm misreading it, but to me it really seems to heavily imply skirts for female teachers are mandatory :-/

I'm actually hoping it's like you said, and that there's no prerequisite, because whilst I own many suits I don't own a single skirt, and it seems somewhat sexist to me, too. So yeah, lol, hopefully someone can let me know what the deal is on that front, it'd be hugely helpful.

LOL! You're entirely correct that that school requires skirts. It looks like the owner is a full-bred dirtbag pushing his weight internationally where he knows he won't get slapped with a sexual harassment lawsuit!

I strongly feel that he is the small minority, in businesses owned by foreigners of course.
In Japanese owned businesses expect that skirts, a pound of make-up and regular visits to the hair salon and nailist are required. Oh and the ability to brush off blatant acts of physical sexual harassment from superiors as a necessary responsibility. Think 1920's America.

I may be slightly exaggerating, but I shit you not that the amount of women in Japan who'd say that description makes their job sound nice is enough to alarm the average westerner.

minor addition
 

....and shave your head bald before arriving:D

To be honest, I find women in skirts at office, more business like than ones in pants, I even feel like I can trust that they will do the job better. That's my first thought in my mind when I see a new female coworker.
Maybe it's because of this, that got stuck in my mind after a training session: "Women are women, men are men. If you're not trying to hide what you are, I can trust you."
But as I said, this is only the first thought, it can change so quick, after the newcomer opens it's mouth...

I find business women in skirts significantly sexier...

I notice that this is situated in the area of the recent earthquake. Has it emerged unscathed?

Tattoos are a personal choice and should not be on display unless you are on personal time.
In a professional situation you should do your best to be professional, and if this means hiding your tats then so be it.
So, lets take teaching as an example...
I am teaching students and showing my tattoos, or smoking, or drinking!
The students may attach a coolness to the gaijin and wish to emulate this gaijin behavour to impress.

To show a tattoo and then befriend a student, you should know that you may cause this student to follow your heart and get a tattoo. The Japanese kids are really this impressionable.
The adverse is true in the workplace.
No exposure = no tolerence