How Tall Is the Average Japanese Man?

Okay, so you’re probably wondering, how tall is the average Japanese man? I get it. It's one of those random questions that pops into your head and you just have to know the answer, right? Well, I’ve done some digging, and I’m here to give you the lowdown, along with some interesting facts about height trends and how they’ve evolved over time.

First off, let me say that height is one of those things that we often associate with a lot of cultural stereotypes. You might picture a short, compact person when you think of Japan, but the reality is a little more nuanced. Let’s break it down.

The Average Height of a Japanese Man Today

As of recent data, the average height of a Japanese man is around 5 feet 7 inches (170.8 cm). Surprised? Maybe not, but it’s a bit taller than many people expect. For context, that’s pretty average compared to other countries. It’s not on the extreme end like the Netherlands, where the average is closer to 6 feet (183 cm), but it’s certainly not the shortest either.

Now, this number might sound a little vague, but that’s because height can vary depending on the generation and even the region of Japan you’re in. I’ve personally noticed a trend when traveling across the country. In places like Tokyo, where you have a mix of people from all over, the average height seems just a bit taller than in rural areas, but let’s get into that later.

How Did Japanese Men's Height Change Over Time?

Here’s something that might blow your mind: Japan’s average height has actually increased over the past century. Back in the early 20th century, the average height of a Japanese man was closer to 5 feet 2 inches (158 cm). Crazy, right? So what changed? Well, a lot of factors came into play.

The biggest factor is likely the improvement in nutrition. You see, after World War II, Japan underwent an economic miracle. The country modernized quickly, and this resulted in better access to food, healthcare, and overall living conditions. With more protein-rich diets (goodbye, rice-only meals), people grew taller. I mean, I can't blame anyone for wanting to be a little taller after a solid diet of meat, dairy, and more varied vegetables.

Another key factor is genetics. Japan has historically been somewhat isolated in terms of immigration, so the genetic pool didn’t have as much external variation until relatively recently. That being said, globalization has introduced a mix of cultures, and some of this might have influenced average heights, especially in urban centers like Tokyo or Osaka.

Regional Differences: Does Height Vary Across Japan?

This is where it gets kind of interesting. Japan is a relatively homogenous country, but if you’ve ever visited different parts, you’ll know that there are subtle differences in lifestyle and culture. I’ve noticed that, in general, people from the northern parts of Japan, like Hokkaido, tend to be a bit taller on average. This could be due to a combination of genetics and different dietary habits (more fish, more cold-weather-fuelled hearty meals).

On the other hand, in southern regions like Okinawa, the average height might be a little shorter. But don’t quote me on that—regional height differences are subtle. Japan’s population density in urban areas means that the average height is pretty consistent across the board.

How Does the Average Japanese Height Compare Globally?

If we were to put the Japanese male height in a global context, it’s about middle-of-the-pack. As I mentioned earlier, countries like the Netherlands and Denmark are home to much taller populations, with average male heights hovering around 6 feet. The United States is also on the taller side, with an average of about 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm).

Now, I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve had a moment in Tokyo where I felt really short, especially walking through the busy streets of Shibuya and getting nudged by people who seem to tower over me. But hey, it’s not just Japan—height can vary so much from place to place that it’s always interesting to see how people compare.

What Affects Height in Japan?

As much as genetics plays a role in determining height, there are a few more factors to keep in mind. For example, urbanization has led to more sedentary lifestyles. While Japan is known for its physical activities like sumo wrestling and martial arts, many people spend a lot of time at desks, whether they’re working in offices or attending school. That’s not exactly a recipe for a growth spurt, especially if you’re not getting the right nutrition or exercise.

On the other hand, Japanese schools place a strong emphasis on physical activity, from sports clubs to daily physical education classes. So, it’s safe to say that Japanese children, especially in more urban areas, still have an environment that encourages exercise, which can have a positive impact on overall development.

Height Stereotypes in Japan

Now, let’s talk about a little something else—the height stereotypes. Have you ever heard that shorter people in Japan are viewed as cute? Yep, that’s a thing. There’s this idea in Japanese culture that shorter individuals, especially women, have a certain "charm" that tall people might lack. It’s a bit of a stereotype, of course, but it’s rooted in some cultural quirks.

For men, being of average height can sometimes be considered ideal. Taller than that, and you risk being seen as "overbearing" or "too imposing." It's weird, right? But honestly, height isn’t as much of a status symbol in Japan as it might be in other countries. People care more about manners, kindness, and humility.

Wrapping It Up: The Average Height Is Just One Piece of the Puzzle

So, to answer the question simply: The average Japanese man stands at around 5 feet 7 inches (170.8 cm). It’s a solid, average height when compared to the rest of the world, but the cultural significance of height in Japan is much more complex than just numbers. Japan’s average height has certainly grown over the years, but height itself doesn’t seem to hold the same weight it might in other cultures.

I guess at the end of the day, whether you’re tall, short, or somewhere in between, it’s really the personality and the heart that matter most, right?

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.