"Why Are Swimsuits Different?"... Japanese Schools Introducing Gender-Neutral Public Swimsuits

Consideration of Introducing Genderless Swimsuits in 200 Schools
Consisting of Sleeved Tops and Knee-Length Shorts

Japan will introduce so-called 'genderless swimsuits' that do not distinguish between male and female students in swimming classes at elementary, middle, and high schools.

The swimsuits currently used in Japanese schools are designed differently: tight-fitting shorts for boys and one-piece shorts for girls.

According to Mainichi Shimbun and Nihon TV on the 20th, the swimwear brand Footmark will launch a unisex separated swimsuit with the same design for both genders starting this year and supply it to three middle schools in Tokyo and Hyogo Prefecture.

'Genderless Swimsuits' Reportedly Being Considered for Introduction at Over 200 Japanese Schools
Photo by Footmark

In Japanese schools, survival swimming lessons are taught during physical education classes to prepare for water accidents, and more than 200 schools are considering adopting genderless swimsuits. It is known that over 200 schools are reviewing the introduction of genderless swimsuits.

Typically, schools designate several swimsuit designs from which students can choose their preferred product, and the 'unisex separated swimsuit' will be included as one of the options.

The genderless swimsuit consists of a long-sleeved top and shorts that reach the knees. This design minimizes body exposure and aims to conceal body shape as much as possible.

Footmark, which developed genderless swimwear, recently designed this style in response to the increase in students avoiding swimming lessons due to strong outdoor UV rays and reluctance to expose their bodies.
[Photo by Footmark]

Footmark, which developed the genderless swimsuit, devised this design reflecting the increase in students who avoid swimming classes due to strong outdoor UV rays and reluctance to expose their bodies.

Additionally, the rise in students requesting counseling at schools due to confusion from perceiving their gender differently from their biological sex was also a background factor in developing the genderless swimsuit.

The genderless swimsuit was first piloted last year at three middle schools in Tokyo and Hyogo Prefecture.

Since then, Footmark reported receiving feedback such as "It was a relief to hide my skin and body hair and not get sunburned" and "I was able to focus on class without worrying about wearing a swimsuit."

With continued positive responses to the genderless swimsuit, sales have also started targeting the general public following students.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.