Tokyo: The Japanese women's national soccer team, known as Nadeshiko Japan, has decided to remove white shorts from its uniform lineup following concerns from players about period-related anxiety.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nadeshiko Japan has been using shorts of different colors since last year, marking a departure from the traditional uniform designs shared by both the men's and women's national soccer teams. The latest home uniform design for Japan's national teams was introduced last November, with the men's team, Samurai Blue, showcasing a blue jersey and white shorts in a match against Ghana.
In contrast, Nadeshiko Japan sported blue shorts in a game against Canada the same month. For away games, they have switched to black shorts since February of the previous year. This decision came after a social media post during the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics highlighted concerns over the transparency of women's white uniforms.
Saki Kumagai, a player for London City Lionesses and a member of Nadeshiko Japan since her high school days, expressed relief over the change, noting that players had been requesting the removal of white shorts for some time. She emphasized the unpredictability of menstrual cycles and the stress caused by wearing white shorts, especially in wet conditions, which can make stains more visible.
A survey conducted by Sompo Holdings Inc. last December revealed that 45 percent of women faced issues wearing white sports uniforms, while 66.4 percent felt unable to voice their discomfort due to societal norms. Kumagai admitted she once shared this sentiment but has since recognized the importance of speaking up.
The move away from white sports uniforms is gaining traction globally, with teams like England's national soccer team switching to blue shorts during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Kumagai highlighted the significance of providing options that cater to women's needs, suggesting it would help create a more inclusive environment in the male-dominated sports world.
Events promoting women's rights and addressing gender disparities are scheduled worldwide, including in Japan, on International Women's Day on March 8.
