In a landmark decision announced on March 21, 2025, the National Police Agency of Japan has decided to abolish the skirts worn by female police officers, replacing them with trousers as part of a significant update to the uniform regulations. This update is expected to enhance mobility for the officers who increasingly find themselves in dynamic and demanding situations, particularly when responding to incidents and accidents.
The decision is not merely a cosmetic change but reflects a broader trend within the police force. The announcement detailed that starting in the fiscal year 2024, all female police officers will be required to wear trousers. Skirts, which have been a part of police uniforms since the 1940s and officially designated as such in 1976, will no longer be a uniform option, except for formal occasions.
According to the National Police Agency, the elimination of skirts comes as a response to the expanding scope of duties performed by female officers. It was noted that "the skirts will be abolished because female police officers have expanded their duties and increased their work at the scene of incidents and accidents, making it easier for them to wear trousers." This change also aims to enhance operational efficiency within the force, allowing officers to move more freely and effectively in the field.
To further bolster adaptability to Japan's increasingly hot summers, the agency has also introduced a new polo shirt uniform designed for both male and female officers. The polo shirts are made from materials that offer high breathability and quick-drying capabilities. These design features serve not only to keep officers comfortable but also to mitigate the risk of heat-related illnesses, which have been a growing concern in recent years.
The introduction of the polo shirt is expected to begin with trial wear by the Saitama Prefectural Police in May, following which it will be rolled out to police departments across the country. The National Police Agency has been proactive in addressing the rising temperatures impacting uniforms, recognizing that "those who wore skirts in the past have been gradually shifting to trousers, as it has been difficult to move efficiently while wearing skirts.”
The uniform changes are also significant from a historical perspective. The current system of specifying both skirts and trousers for female officers has been in place for almost 50 years. During this time, the nature of police work has evolved, demanding more versatile and practical uniforms. The last major overhaul of police uniforms occurred 31 years ago, making this latest change a notable deviation from tradition.
Moreover, as more female officers are deployed in roles that require agility—as seen in street patrols and investigations—the feedback has been overwhelmingly in favor of trousers. Many police departments, in fact, had already ceased issuing skirts in recognition of these practical considerations.
In the interest of health and safety, the agency is not only focusing on the uniforms themselves but also on the accessories worn by officers. Hats that are a part of the uniform will now use mesh materials to enhance ventilation and will allow officers to remove them while working indoors or at police stations. These adaptive measures are part of a broader initiative to ensure that police uniforms remain functional and comfortable throughout their shifts.
This comprehensive review and update of the female police officer uniform represent a significant step towards creating a more unified and practical approach to police attire in Japan. The newly designed uniforms aim not only to meet the practical needs of officers on duty but also to promote a standardization that reflects contemporary values regarding professional attire for women in the service.
As this transition begins, it will be interesting to observe how other prefectural police departments respond and adopt similar changes. The overall goal is to create a safer, more effective environment for female officers, allowing them to serve without unnecessary restrictions imposed by outdated uniform standards.
