Japanese people have been considered short for a long period of time. But what is their exact medium height? Let’s check out in this article and compare their heights with other countries.
Japanese individuals are often stereotyped as short in comparison to the remainder of the globe, yet this is an old notion. Even so, because of their traditionally smaller stature, still exist ordinary heights that you might be capable of exceeding. So, what is the average height of Japanese people? What height in Japan is regarded as tall?
If you are taller than 6 feet 2 inches (approx. 188 cm) for a man and 5 feet 7 inches (approx. 170 cm) for a woman, you would be regarded as incredibly tall in Japan because you are taller than their typical height of 5 feet 10 inches (approx. 178 cm) for a man and 5 feet 2 inches (approx. 157 cm) for a woman.
The globe’s interpretation of Asian folk’s tallness is that they are generally shorter than that of other communities, but this is primarily a perceived notion rather than just an actuality. In reality, the medium size of Japanese individuals has risen dramatically in a short amount of time.
What is the historical background of the Japanese folk’s height, and how has it shifted so dramatically over time? What are the challenges of becoming tall in Japan? This blog post addresses these and other concerns.
Individual’s Height Throughout History In Japan
In history textbooks and sometimes even several decades earlier, Japanese individuals were thought to be relatively short. Having said that, this is not the situation in our world today anymore.
Following WWII, the quick western influence of conventional Asian nations such as Japan resulted in significant alterations, not only to their societal structure but also to their folks, including their tallness.
The adjustments in lifestyle and eating habits that the Japanese people have endured as a result of their nation’s western influence have resulted in one of the quickest collaborative physical growth ever documented in civilized society’s historical record.
In the last 30 years, the medium Japanese men’s size has grown by almost 4 inches (approx. 10 cm), while the typical Japanese women’s tallness has grown by approx. 2.7 inches (approx. 6.8 cm).
A few factors, according to public health officials, are contributing to this dramatic shift in a country’s standing. The primary radical shift, however, is referenced as an adjustment in the Japanese eating plan, which is relatively noticeable in their daily lives.
For instance, Japanese individuals are abandoning their conventional breakfast and lunch of rice cakes rolled up in seaweed in favor of lining up in front of McDonald’s and KFC, which are currently the nation’s first and second most well-known eateries.
The most substantial shift in the Japanese eating plan has been the decrease in cereals, especially rice, as well as the significant rise in highly nutritious animal meals, with dairy and meat intake increasing at an unexpected percentage.
The mixture of greater calories daily and a pattern toward more workplace-kind full-time jobs instead of subsistence agriculture has made a contribution to a significant rise in the nation’s normal altitude.
These lifestyle and eating habits shifts in Japan do not represent the only reasons that have led to folks becoming taller and larger over time. Another component, based on the Japanese Health Ministry’s information, might be taken into account as a contributory cause to this size shift.
This remarkable aspect is that numerous Japanese individuals these days sit and collaborate in western-kind seats both from their houses and workplaces as well, rather than bending down on a rice-straw sheet as the Japanese have for thousands of years.
As stated by the Japanese Health Ministry, this has alleviated the compressive force on the knees of early-age Japanese kids, resulting in the youngsters growing up to be far taller than past years’ kids.
No matter what the possible explanation for the Japanese populace’s fast growth is, you could really be sure that they would continue to outgrow their current typical heights. So, while you might be regarded as tall in Japan presently, this might change in the near future.
So, Are Japanese People Short?
The short and direct answer is yes. Japanese individuals are typically underrepresented in comparison to the worldwide inhabitants. Males typically range in height between 160 cm and 170 cm, while a lot of females fall somewhere between 150 cm and 160 cm.
According to recent polls, the average size of Japanese folks is rising. So, what is the typical size of Japanese individuals? A few of the survey data are listed down below.
A study was undertaken in 2016 to approximate the average size of Japanese males aged from 75 to 79 years old, and the questionnaire came to the conclusion that the average older Japanese man aged from 75 to 79 years was just 1.62 m, whereas those aged from 65 to 74 years old stood approx. 1.65 m.
This upward trend continued till the medium size measured achieved 171.90 cm. This plain boundary began between the ages of 20 years old and 49 years old. The tendency of the information for women was remarkably similar to that of the males. Although it might not appear so, this is great news for individuals who want Japanese individuals to increase in the years ahead.
A few older people’s sizes might also be reduced because of bone degradation, but this should be limited to 1 cm or 1.5 cm at the very most. However, based on tests used in this study, the young people of today and the older adults of this time frame are considered among the most towering millennia that have ever lived in Japan.
Average Height of Japanese Men
As reported by the National Health and Nutrition Survey in Japan, the medium Japanese man’s tallness is 5 feet 7.4 inches (approx. 171.2 cm).
Another research released by Epidemiology and Community Health shows that the medium Japanese altitude has increased by up to 6 inches over the past couple of centuries.
Historically, Japanese males were generally regarded as short in contrast to other nations, as the medium height for Japanese men was just around 5 feet 2 inches fifty years ago. Even so, the average size of Japanese men has increased significantly over the past 5 to 7 decades.
To put this into perspective, American individuals are approximately 3-4 cm taller than Australian, British, and American people on ordinary.
For instance, an average American guy stands 5 feet 9 inches (approx. 175 cm) tall, while a UK dude stands 5 ft 10 inches (approx. 178 cm) tall, which is just a little bit taller than a typical Japanese guy.
The increase in tallness in Japan is a huge secret, and multiple pieces of research are being conducted in collaboration with South Korean individuals, who have shown a similar phenomenon in increased medium height. Almost all research attributes this shift to adjustments in Japan’s way of life, eating plans, and acceptance of western influence.
Check out the reasons that cause this severe tallness increase in the table below.
Average Height of Japanese Females
According to the same source data, the medium height of a Japanese female is 5 feet 2.6 inches (approx. 1.59 m).
The substantial increase in tallness over the past couple of centuries has also been observed among many Japanese ladies, where medium tallness used to be less than 5 feet but has recently risen to up to 4 inches (approx. 10 cm).
The distinction is actually small in relation to the typical female height in the United States, whose height is reported to be5 feet 4.6 inches (approx. 164.1 cm).
To put this in perspective, the medium female height in various parts of the globe varies by just approx. 4-5 cm, which is obviously not a large difference.
In addition, we learned the mystery of Japanese females’ tallness growth by approaching their exercise regimen and nutrition as well. In addition, look into the best tallness growth probiotics to assist you in achieving medium tallness.
Japanese Average Height Compared to That of The Universe
Other research findings provide information on normal altitude in various parts of the globe. With this information, we could really make a comparison of Japan’s medium tallness to that of other nations, which is what we’ll do presently.
According to information on medium American altitude, individuals in the United States stand at approx. 178.2 cm, which is approximately 6.3 cm taller than individuals in Japan. 175.3 cm, 3.4 cm longer than the Japanese individuals.
According to questionnaires, a man’s tallness in China is about 169.4 cm, which is 2.5 cm shorter than a Japanese male’s typical height. The typical height in the United Kingdom is said to be around 176.8 cm, which is 4.9 cm higher than that of Japanese individuals.
In addition, the normal tallness of Japanese ladies is believed to be approx. 158 cm, but this figure might have fluctuated over time.
Average Height of Japanese People by Gender and Age
This graph depicts the average size of Japanese individuals based on gender and age. So, let’s now check out the graph for a generally consisting:
Average Japanese Men Height Chart By Age
| Age range (years old) | Height (in feet and inches) | Height (in cm) |
| From 12 to 16 | 5 feet 5 inches | 162.4 cm |
| From 16 to 18 | 5 feet 6 inches | 168 cm |
| From 18 to 50 | 5 feet 7.4 inches | 171.2 cm |
| From 50 to 80 | 5 feet 5.7 inches | 167 cm |
| From 80 to 95 | 5 feet 4.9 inches | 165 cm |
Japanese adolescent boy altitude chart by age
| Age range (years old) | Height (in feet and inches) | Height (in cm) |
| From 0 to 2 | From 1 feet 7 inches to 2 feet 9 inches | From 49.0 cm to 84.7 cm |
| From 2 to 4 | From 2 feet 10 inches to 3 feet 3 inches | From 85.4 cm to 99.7 cm |
| From 4 to 8 | From 3 feet 3 inches to 4 feet 1 inch | From 100.2 cm to 124.8 cm |
| From 8 to 12 | From 4 feet 1 inch to 4 feet 10 inches | From 125.3 cm to 148.5 cm |
| From 12 to 16 | From 4 feet 10 inches to 5 feet 7 inches | From 148.5 to 169.2 cm |
Average Japanese Female Height Chart By Age
| Age range (years old) | Height (in feet and inches) | Height (in cm) |
| From 12 to 16 | 4 feet 9.6 inches | 146.5 cm |
| From 16 to 18 | 5 feet 2 inches | 157.5 cm |
| From 18 to 50 | 5 feet 2.6 inches | 158.8 cm |
| From 50 to 80 | 5 feet 1.4 inches | 155.9 cm |
| From 80 to 95 | 4 feet 11 inches | 149.8 cm |
Japanese adolescent girl altitude chart by age
| Age range (years old) | Height (in feet and inches) | Height (in cm) |
| From 0 to 2 | From 1 feet 7 inches to 2 feet 9 inches | From 49.0 cm to 84.7 cm |
| From 2 to 4 | From 2 feet 10 inches to 3 feet 3 inches | From 85.4 cm to 99.7 cm |
| From 4 to 8 | From 3 feet 3 inches to 4 feet 1 inch | From 100.2 cm to 124.8 cm |
| From 8 to 12 | From 4 feet 1 inch to 4 feet 3 inches | From 125.3 cm to 132.5 cm |
| From 12 to 16 | From 4 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 2.6 inches | From 132.5 cm to 157.5 cm |
In Japan, Who is Regarded As Tall?
Japan, as some of you might know, is among the Asian nations known for having a sharp mind and a short and small stature. Even so, this is a false narrative. In reality, Japan’s citizenry is generally tall, and the size disparity between Japanese individuals and Australian, the United Kingdom, and United States individuals is not particularly large.
The size difference is approximately 2-4 cm. As a result, Japanese individuals are not called short in contrast to the remainder of the globe.
The medium size in Japan for a guy, accordingly, is 5 feet 7.4 inches (approx. 171.2 cm), and the medium tallness for a girl is 5 feet 2.6 inches (approx. 159 cm); anyone taller than the average would then be regarded as tall.
So, if you are a guy of tallness more than 6 feet or a girl of tallness over 5 feet 5 inches, you are taken into account tall in Japan; however, if you are taller than 6 feet 2 inches in men and 5 feet 7 inches in women, you are regarded as
Tall People’s Issues in Japan
So, if you are a citizen or visiting Japan on holiday and are taller than 6 feet, you may encounter some difficulties on your trip.
With the medium tallness of a guy below 5 feet 8 inches, an individual taller than 6 feet would definitely stand out, and individuals may keep staring at you at first. However, this typically disappears in just a few secs, so it is unlikely to be a major issue.
The main issue for a tall individual in Japan is finding adequate housing, as public restrooms may be too short for a few people.
This issue is most common in old hotels, which were built to the prior normal altitude in Japan. However, a few guest houses are primarily designed for towering travelers, so if you’re extremely fortunate, you might find one of these.
Doorway size – Although almost all entrances are not designed for tall individuals or folks more than 6 feet tall, you may have to dart each time you walk through one.
Those are, generally speaking, the two most prevalent issues that tourists encounter all throughout their trip. Aside from that, Japan is a lovely nation with a rich conventional heritage and tradition.
In Japan, What is The Perfect Height For Men?
In reality, there is no perfect size, but the typical height of males in Japan is commonly known as 5 feet 7.4 inches, and Japanese females tend to prefer taller guys. As a result, anybody really taller than the medium tallness would be regarded as tall.
Based on Japanese questionnaires and dating web pages, females prefer males with heights ranging from 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 11 inches.
In Japan, individuals taller than 6 feet are considered notably tall, and female preferences tend to decrease due to large size differences. As such, in Japan, if you are shorter than 6 feet and taller than 5 feet 9 inches, you have a perfect size.
What Is The Perfect Height For Japanese Women?
Correspondingly to guys, there is no accurate amount that could be regarded as a woman’s perfect height in Japan. The medium tallness of a Japanese female is widely known as 5 feet 2.6 inches, and according to global questionnaires, ladies standing between 5 feet 5 inches and 5 feet 7 inches are regarded as perfect heights for female models. So, if your size falls within this scope, you have perfect tallness.
In Japan, What Variables Affect Altitude?
As previously stated, Japan has experienced one of the fastest and highest collaborative altitude development sprouts in much less than a hundred years. When we start comparing the normal height shift in a Japanese man between 1950 and 2022, we discover a disparity of nearly 4 inches.
This spike alters the genetics of the human body, and scientists all over the globe are trying to figure out the causative factors of this alteration. A few of these elements are listed down below.
Genetics
One of the most important factors that influence an individual’s altitude is genetics. It has been proven by science that genetic traits influence an individual’s size. A kid’s altitude can also be anticipated to a specific degree, as per scientific knowledge.
This tallness prediction technique, widely recognized as the Khamis-Roche Method, was created in 1994 at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio.
To anticipate a kid’s size, add both his or her parents’ heights in either cm or in (add 13 cm or 5 inches for males and then subtract 13 cm or 5 inches for females from the total amount). After that, start dividing the total by two.
You would then be given a height forecast. Even so, genetics account for 60-80% of the variance in height.
Way of eating
Eating plan or nourishment is considered the 2nd most important factor in determining a kid’s tallness. Obtaining appropriate nutrients at a young age and during teenage years has a significant impact on the kid’s development, including both of their mental and physical well-being.
Even though eating healthily does not guarantee that a kid would be taller, a bad nutrition eating plan would then almost certainly cause the favorite part to be shorter.
Gender
As you might all know, males are generally much taller than females. The percentage of size growth, even so, differs between women and men. Boys’ tallness increase is, having said that, slower than girls’ because of the age distinction in early adolescence.
Even so, by the age of 18 years old, almost all guys would be taller than girls. Adult women and men, accordingly, are separated by 5.5 inches (approx. 14 cm) on average.
Environment
In fact, the environment is also important because it has a serious influence on a child’s growth. Men in the Netherlands have always had typical tallness of approx. 5 feet 11.9 inches, while men in India and the Philippines share normal tallness of around 5 feet 4.9 inches.
This radical shift in normal altitude is due to environmental factors. Even so, this does not imply that modifying surroundings would then permanently alter an individual’s altitude, but it would have a short-term effect on the tallness of future generations.
The Bottom Line
Japanese individuals, in fact, are not as short as they used to be, which implies you just may fit in hotels or guest houses when you travel in Japan. However, you can be completely regarded as really tall if your actual height is more than 6 feet since the average tallness for Japanese girls and boys are just 5 feet 7 inches (approx. 170 cm) and 6 feet 2 inches (approx. 188 cm), respectively.
And, you might have a few difficulties with storage in some areas of Japan, but you will most thoroughly appreciate your trip.
