Many Japanese Schools Ban Sunscreen. That Might Be Illegal

Japanese parents are complaining online as schools continue to prevent students from using sunscreen, despite hotter-than-hell temps.

By Jay Allen

To say it’s hot in Japan right now is an understatement. Earlier this week, temperatures in Tokyo hit 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 Fahrenheit). Tokyo’s Hachioji suburb hit 39.1 Celsius (102F) — the location’s fourth-hottest day on record.

And it’s only mid-July, folks. Ugh.

With such heat, it’s critical that everyone protect their skin. So why do so many schools here prevent students from wearing sunscreen?

Dirty pools, burnt students

Picture: つむぎ / PIXTA(ピクスタ)

Parents in Japan have knocked Japanese schools for what some consider overly strict regulations before. Some schools place restrictions on everything from makeup to loose socks.

But some restrictions seem not only nonsensical, but dangerous.

The sunscreen ban falls into the latter category. A large number of schools ban its…