FamilyMart in Japan has officially updated its dress code to allow Muslim female employees to wear hijabs at approximately 16,500 stores nationwide, according to company policy slated for rollout. The sweeping corporate shift, titled the Famima Code, also grants workers greater flexibility in hair color standards. While the company positions the policy as a step toward workplace diversity, the change has sparked sharp public debate and fierce pushback from local communities concerned about traditional Japanese work attire.
The Famima Code Rollout and Public Backlash
Scheduled to take effect across FamilyMart’s massive franchise network, the Famima Code directly addresses attire rules that previously barred religious head coverings. According to public reports, the decision drew immediate criticism from local residents and political figures who argued that altering traditional standards panders unnecessarily to foreign workers. Politician Shunsuke Yamashita publicly questioned the urgency of the rule change, joining social media users in demanding that Japan preserve its cultural traditions against external influences. Indonesian national Ranisa Rahman, who stepped forward as a hijab-wearing model in the corporate promotional campaign, became a primary target for negative online sentiment and hostile commentary across digital platforms.
Model Ranisa Rahman Responds to Digital Scrutiny
Despite facing an influx of hostile digital commentary, 33-year-old Indonesian housewife Ranisa Rahman stated that she expected the backlash given the historical sensitivity surrounding Islamic practices in Japanese online spaces. Living in Tokyo since November 2022, the STEI Tazkia Islamic economics graduate emphasized that day-to-day life in Japan remains entirely unaffected by the online hostility. According to Rahman, local residents interact with her respectfully in public, and she credits Japan’s legal framework for ensuring her safety and protection as a legal resident. Supporters on platforms like Threads, including user @zizisiregar, have rallied around Rahman to push back against the online harassment.
Did you know?
FamilyMart’s updated dress code, the Famima Code, applies simultaneously to approximately 16,500 retail franchise locations across Japan.
Advocating for Access and Cultural Education
For Rahman, the corporate campaign serves as a crucial educational milestone for a Japanese public largely unfamiliar with the term “hijab.” According to statements provided to Wolipop, Rahman views the partnership with FamilyMart as an opportunity to normalize visible expressions of faith and expand career access for Muslim women in public life. Describing her pride in appearing on Japanese national television wearing her headscarf, Rahman noted that the production team and event staff treated her with complete professionalism and zero discrimination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Famima Code in Japan?
The Famima Code is an updated corporate dress code introduced by FamilyMart in Japan that officially permits female Muslim employees to wear hijabs at work and provides relaxed guidelines regarding hair color.
How many FamilyMart stores are affected by the policy?
The policy applies to approximately 16,500 FamilyMart franchise stores across Japan.
Who is Ranisa Rahman?
Ranisa Rahman is a 33-year-old Indonesian expatriate and mother living in Tokyo who served as a model for FamilyMart’s hijab policy presentation.
Did Ranisa Rahman experience direct hostility in public?
No. According to Rahman, while she faced negative comments and hostile rhetoric on social media, her day-to-day interactions in Tokyo have been entirely positive and safe.
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