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In Japan, there are several ways to make an apology, such kneeling down on the ground and bowing deeply, which we call "dogeza." (土下座)

The news about one of the members of AKB48, Minami Minegishi, reminded me of another way to make an apology. She had her hair close-cropped in penance for her "overnight-stay" with her boyfriend. It seems that the girls of AKB48 are prohibited to have a boyfriend, let alone to have intimate relationships with boys.

Her sudden action was so alarming that it surprised lots of Japanese people, who are not only fans of hers, but also those who are not, like me as well.

In Western countries, I think that a buzz cut is a popular, otherwise common hair style with both men and boys, unlike Japan. I don't think that there are many men who are willing to have their hair shaved in Japan.

Then, I traced the origin of a buzz cut, and found out that it used to be a sign of punishment started in ancient times in China. Criminals were forced to have buzz cuts and were discriminated by their hair style.

In Japanese society, some people still use a buzz cut in order to show their regrets or apologies. Minami, a member of AKB48, did just that.

Personally, the rule for the AKB48 members, Minani's sincere-sounding apology with tears, and the peace-sign just after her interview, are all weird to me.

In my defense as a Japanese person, when some people get down to their work seriously, they sometimes have their hair close-cropped in order to stir themselves. I understand it in that case.

I wonder if showing your regret by getting your head shaved occurs only in Japan?