Being bald in Japan

You can expect a post about my Asian adventures shortly, however it is time to document some alopecia moments, of which I had one this week in Japan.

I was asked to present a few slides to the site which we were visiting. All 300 people gathered in the canteen to hear what we had to say. Apart from everyone, myself included, wearing slippers and leaving our shoes outside the buildig, the set up was very familiar. 

Just as I took the microphone, I noticed a striking lady in the audience. She was stunning. Bright eyes, beautiful skin and a glorious smile.  She also had a shiny head.

She was completely bald.

I had to hold myself back from going up to her and asking about her choice to be bald in the workplace. Many things stopped me, not least of all, the fact that she most likely did not speak any English.

I was deeply moved by her being in the audience.

I have not come across many openly bald people and never one in the workplace.

We are in a corporate setting and although you do see all sorts of shapes and sizes, I believe most people conform to a kind of professional norm. A certain conservatism reigns.

This lady however, had not conformed. She was bald and she was simply gorgeous.

She is the one bold, bald and beautiful, not I.

I chose not to approach the lady, I did not know enough about Japanese culture to attempt a conversation, I chose to admire her silently.

However I would have loved to have understood her choice.

Had it been an obvious choice for her?

Did she get any feedback or noticed any bias based on her appearance?

Was it a practial choice because of the work she performed or was it lifestyle?

I guess I will never know. But dear Japanese lady, thank you, thank you for being brave.

Thank you for role modelling to many that bald is a good choice.