Japanese city bans public servants from wearing beards

[UrbScotty]

For years I’ve been told I should shave my beard. Apparently it’s ugly or something, despite mine making me look totally awesome, so I really have no idea what all these beard haters are talking about. The only way this will happen would be if my face caught on fire, or if I moved to the Japanese city of Isesaki and tried to get a public service job.

Located north of Tokyo in the Gunma prefecture, the city has passed a law banning all kinds of facial hair for those who wish to hold a municipal service job. After receiving complaints that facial hair is “unpleasant,” the city made the decision to ban hirsute aesthetics, including stubble, pencil-thin mustaches and mutton chops.

On a positive note, the new law is part of a casual dress code for male public officials that allows them to forgo the usual suit jacket and constrictive ties in an effort to cut down on air conditioning costs and apparently reduce global warming. Known as the ‘Cool Biz’ campaign, these unique methods of cutting costs have been in effect since 2005 under the auspices of the Environment Ministry. It is, however, the first time a municipality in Japan has banned facial hair.

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/2e5i1W/www.weirdasianews.com/2010/05/27/public-servant-isesaki-japan-bye-bye-beard/

[MADem]

1. Now THAT's some WEIRD NEWS!!!

Japanese guys don't generally have the bushiest beards on the planet--maybe they were just trying to not have to look at "pathetic" beards that aren't very dramatic or filled in?

[FSogol]

2. Part of Japan's War on Hipsters? Next they'll ban Pabst Blue Ribbon and Indie Rock?