Job Discussion Forums

johncanada24 · Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 119 Location: Canada

Okay...So I've read up on the Japanese culture and although it may seem like a stupid question I wanted to grow an afro so that eventually I can get braids. Will nova fire me?? I haven't started working at Nova but I will start in April. Will I be looked upon differently when it comes to job opportunities? ( Yes obviously but to the point of being rejected for my hair style?) This is my natural style of doing my hair and I'm getting bored with the short cuts. Looks Like I may need to suck it up and be "Boring and Normal" I want to live and learn in Japan but I also want to share a part of my heritage as well. To me this is one of the ways ...so does anybody have any comments on this? Thanks in advance.

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

johncanada24 · Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 119 Location: Canada

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

Typical NOVA before and after photos. (timelapse = 1 year on the WHV)

furiousmilksheikali

Zzonkmiles · Joined: 05 Apr 2003 Posts: 309

Hi John.

Let me give you a serious response. Yes, you can have braids at NOVA. I've seen Black women there with nothing but braids and it wasn't a problem. I think as long as your braids are neat (i.e., no cornrows), you should be okay. As for afros, I think if you keep it well-groomed, you should also be okay. Your trainers will let you know if your hair is becoming unacceptable. But keep in mind, most Blacks here either keep their hair very short or just go bald because it can be difficult finding a Japanese barber who can cut Black hair. And the last thing you'll want on your head during the sweltering and humid summers here is an afro. Think very carefully about this or consider going bald.

Chris21 · Joined: 30 Apr 2006 Posts: 366 Location: Japan

If it helps, I have plenty of Japanese students with afros (or should they be called "Jafros"?). Wink

I think sizing-up the work environment when you get here is a good suggestion.

johncanada24 · Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 119 Location: Canada

canuck · Joined: 11 May 2003 Posts: 1921 Location: Japan

furiousmilksheikali · Posted: Tue Jan 30, 2007 6:41 am Post subject:

SeasonedVet · Joined: 28 Aug 2006 Posts: 236 Location: Japan

John I think it might be more acceptable if you come with an afro first rather than come without it and then try to grow it. I think It would be ok except those unfamiliar with Black people's hair might think it's getting unkempt if you come with it short and then try to grow it. But that all depends on so many things. it depends on how it looks, how well you grow it or groom it, what kind of trainer you have etc etc.
as for the students; afros are popular in Japan, I wouldn't worry about it unless it is extremely huge.
Grow your Fro man, groooovy!

johncanada24 · Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 119 Location: Canada

johncanada24 · Joined: 19 Oct 2006 Posts: 119 Location: Canada

Canuck2112 · Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Posts: 239

Some of it might depend on what NOVA branch you work at. Is it in a large city or in the middle of a rice field? Small towns sometimes mean closed minds.

I live in a relatively large city and see quite a few English teachers with Afros/braids/etc. I don't think its such a big deal.

I say grow it and give it a try. Its your head. If you keep your students happy they are unlikely to say anything IMO.

Jon22 · Joined: 11 Jan 2007 Posts: 11

it isnt a case of afro or consider going bald. have a trim!