The practice of requiring students to strip to the waist during routine health checkups in Japanese schools has ignited a wave of controversy and discomfort among students, parents, and educators. A report by The Guardian in September 2024 revealed that many students, some as young as 13, are subjected to these exams where they are asked to remove their shirts and, in some cases, even their bras.
The emotional and psychological toll of these practices is profound. A survey highlighted by The Guardian found that a staggering 95.5% of middle school students expressed dissatisfaction with having to undress for health examinations, highlighting a widespread sentiment of discomfort and embarrassment. Student testimonies underscore the distress associated with these exams. One 13-year-old girl described feeling exposed and humiliated during her school health checkup, while another recounted the anxiety of being instructed to lift her top and bra. These experiences reflect the broader discomfort and trauma that many children face in this context.
The lack of a unified policy on whether students should undress for health checkups has resulted in a patchwork of practices across Japan. Local education boards, in collaboration with visiting health professionals, determine the procedures for these exams. As a result, practices vary widely: some schools mandate that children, including those in senior high schools, remove their shirts and bras, while others allow students to remain clothed. This inconsistency in implementation has fuelled frustration among parents and advocacy groups. For example, in some western Japanese cities, high school students are required to be topless during health exams. This variation in practices raises concerns about the adequacy and fairness of the procedures being used.
The Japan Medical Association has defended the practice of topless health checkups, arguing that removing clothing is necessary for a comprehensive examination. However, this stance has been challenged by medical experts who question the necessity of such practices. Kentaro Iwata, a professor of infectious diseases at Kobe University Hospital, has expressed skepticism about the medical justification for requiring students to undress. While acknowledging that removing clothing might slightly improve the clarity of heartbeat sounds, he emphasizes that it is not essential for accurate health assessments. His comments reflect a growing concern among healthcare professionals about the balance between medical practices and patient comfort.
In response to mounting criticism, Japan’s Ministry of Education issued a notice in January 2024, aimed at addressing privacy concerns during school health checkups. The ministry advised local education boards to avoid requiring students to undress if it does not compromise the accuracy of the examination. It suggested alternatives such as allowing students to wear gym clothes or use towels to cover their bodies. The notice also recommended measures to ensure privacy and respect during the exams, including conducting separate examinations for boys and girls and using partitions or curtains.
Despite these recommendations, the implementation of these guidelines has been inconsistent across different regions and schools. The discrepancy between the ministry’s recommendations and the actual practices observed in some schools has led to continued criticism and scrutiny. For instance, a report by The Mainichi in June 2024 highlighted a case in Yokohama where students were required to undress from the waist up during health checkups. This situation prompted concerns about privacy and the adequacy of the measures in place to address students’ discomfort.
The ongoing controversy over topless health exams in Japanese schools highlights the need for comprehensive reform and consistent application of policies. Experts like Satoshi Kodama, a professor and medical ethics specialist at Kyoto University, have called for more specific guidelines from the education ministry to ensure uniformity across schools and regions. Kodama emphasizes the importance of science-based evidence and clear communication to address concerns about privacy and respect during health checkups.
As Japan continues to grapple with these issues, it is crucial for policymakers and educational authorities to prioritize the comfort and rights of students while ensuring that health checkups are conducted effectively and respectfully.
