The unique Japanese culture is reflected in national clothing. To understand what we are talking about, just remember the okimono. And it is even more surprising that such an important and widespread item of clothing as a school uniform is not of Japanese origin at all.
You may already know what school clothes for Japanese girls and boys look like. Thanks to anime, the uniform of Japanese schoolgirls has become recognizable and very popular all over the world, and Japan is now experiencing a real boom in school uniforms: they are worn not only for school classes, but also in their free time.
Designers offer girls thousands of variations on the theme of Japanese school uniforms, and schoolgirl costumes are bought and worn even by those Japanese women who have not yet attended school or have already graduated from school.
National school uniform: traditions and rules
Schools in Japan are divided into two categories: private and municipal. They differ in funding, training programs and internal rules. But for all schools in Japan there is a single law: compulsory national school clothes.
The rules of the educational institution regulate the wearing of a suit. The models are built according to the classic principle: light top and dark bottom . There are three types of clothing in educational institutions:
- for primary school;
- for high school;
- for high school.
The classic costume of Japanese schoolchildren consists of six compulsory items :
- a skirt for girls, shorts or trousers for boys;
- girl's blouse and boy's shirt;
- jacket or blazer;
- accessories: tie, bow or ribbon;
- socks and knee socks;
- dark shoes.
School uniforms are going to the masses: criticism of uniforms and diversity of design
Thus, throughout the history of school uniforms, both men's and women's, a variety of opinions have been expressed about it. On the one hand, the uniform that was established by the school rules changed, and on the other, the schoolchildren themselves deviated from the rules, trying to embody their desires and ideals in clothing.
From the Taisho era (1912-1926) through the Showa era (1926-1989), more boys moved from junior to middle school, and more girls continued their education in girls' high schools. The production of school uniforms developed, and European-style clothing became available to ordinary people. The school uniform has ceased to be an indicator of belonging to a privileged class, gradually entering widespread use. The identical clothing of schoolchildren began to be associated with the idea of equality; it made the difference between rich and poor invisible.
In the post-war era, the existence of school uniforms was threatened during the student movement of the late 1960s and early 1970s. At that time, it became the personification of forced education, was criticized, and some schools abandoned the uniform and switched to a loose dress style. However, the trend of abolishing school uniforms affected only the central parts of cities, and it did not come to complete abolition. Since the second half of the 1980s, some schools began to change the design of their uniforms; jackets with a stand-up collar and “sailor suits” began to be replaced by jackets. Over time, design gained diversity, and attitudes towards form began to change for the better, which is still observed today.
Samples of the first school uniform
seifuku appeared at the Gakushuin . Translated from Japanese, “fuku” means “uniform”, and “sailor” means “sailor suit”.
At the turn of the 19th – 20th centuries, boys’ clothing consisted of a jacket with a stand-up collar, trousers and a cap. Girls wore hakama and a loose kimono blouse.
Headdress
Each school defines its own signature headdress. Most often this is a cap, hat, cap or panama hat, depending on the educational institution and the degree of the school. Some schools adhere to military style, and therefore the uniform is complemented by a cap. Wearing a headdress is strictly mandatory.
It is worth noting that this accessory perfectly complements the image and gives it some seriousness. All hats are made of quality materials and provide protection from the sun and bad weather.
Classic clothes for girls
nautical-style dress is a classic version of the Japanese schoolgirl uniform. The kit includes:
- blazer;
- sailor blouse;
- skirt;
- socks;
- neck decoration.
The top of the sailor suit is a white blouse with a turn-down collar. A short sleeve blouse is a summer version of the model. Long sleeve - winter option .
A checkered or plain skirt is the second element of the set. Usually the style of the skirt is pleated . Length - above the knee . Popular colors: blue, gray, green. The skirt is complemented by a jacket of a single color.
Girls go to classes with bare legs. The rules allow socks, and in cold weather - long socks. Colors: blue, black and white. Modern Japanese women love to wear accordion leg warmers.
Japanese girls do not wear platform or stiletto shoes. Dark-colored low-heeled shoes or moccasins are acceptable. Indoors, removable Uabaki - Japanese indoor slippers - are often used.
The decoration of the suit is a bright-colored bow or tie.
Pattern
There are various patterns on the Internet for sewing uniforms yourself. Parents cannot always afford to buy a special uniform, so they have to sew it. But sometimes it is even more beautiful and, moreover, it is possible to sew it according to the child’s exact measurements.
If we talk about a simple version of a girl’s uniform, then you can find the following descriptions for sewing it:
- Sleeves. The summer uniform has puffed sleeves. To do this, the classic short sleeve pattern is doubled, after which the cuffs are cut out. And after that, the hands are collected from above and below.
- Collar. It is necessary to combine the pattern of the back and front along the shoulder and cut out the shape of the collar.
- Tie. A strip of fabric or a triangle in the shape of a pioneer tie.
- Skirt. It is necessary to use fabric with a width of two girths and mark folds on it - one-sided or counter-fold. The length of the belt is cut out at the waist and sewn to the main body of the skirt.
Many variations and patterns of patterns are in the public domain and it will not be difficult for a needlewoman to bring them to life.
Anime and the iconic Japanese school uniform
Characters in Japanese school uniforms live on the pages of comics, in works of art and feature films. Anime heroines with large, expressive eyes often become idols for teenagers. Modern girls strive to look as stylish as their favorite cartoon characters. Tian in a plaid skirt and a snow-white sailor suit has become a symbol of an attractive girl.
Sailor uniforms have become part of otaku .
Kinds
Sailor suit and gakuran
School uniforms in Japan have been known since the 19th century. At the moment, it is mandatory for all educational institutions, whatever they may be: private or public. The common name for the Japanese form is seifuku.
Elementary classes in Japan do not always require students to wear school uniforms. Traditionally, boys wear light shirts with short sleeves and shorts in bluish or black shades. A light blouse and a blouse below the knees in a grayish tint are clothes for girls.
In high school, Japanese school uniforms change significantly. Usually it includes military-style clothing for boys and charming sailor suits for girls. This form is called "gakuran". This word comes from the merger of two: “gaku” - student and “ran” - Holland. In Japan, Holland refers to all Western European countries. Thus, "gakuran" can be translated as "student dressed in Western style."
The men's uniform is usually done in black, brownish or dark blue. It originated from the military uniform model characteristic of Prussia. This form is also typical for students in South Korea; it existed in China until 1950.
A sailor suit is a uniform consisting of a pleated skirt and blouse, to which a sailor-style collar is sewn. The time of year dictates what fabric to choose for sewing Japanese school uniforms and determines the length of the sleeves. There is a special loop on the front of the blouse where the ribbon is threaded. Instead, you can use a tie, scarf or bow. The sailor suit is usually sewn in the same colors as the gakuran: black, green, blue, gray or white.
The sailor suit came into use thanks to Elizabeth Lee, who studied in Britain and then became the rector of the university. She created this clothing based on a uniform model common in the British Navy.
Shoes are also part of the costume. Shoes are traditionally brownish or black. Boys wear socks underneath, girls wear knee-high socks. You can see what Japanese girls look like in school uniforms in the photo.
The school uniform usually comes with a large bag or briefcase, which should also be the same for all students.
As a rule, school uniforms are issued by the educational institution, so parents do not have to think about where to get a jacket or skirt of the right color. The school's coat of arms is also attached when the uniform is made.
European style uniform
Some educational institutions prefer European-style school uniforms. It includes a white shirt (the sleeve length is determined by the time of year), a dark green vest, the same trousers, a skirt and a jacket. Black boots and white knee socks are worn on the feet. Tights are not provided for girls in cold seasons. The school's coat of arms must be present on the uniform.
Are uniforms required in Japan?
Children and teenagers are very respectful of uniforms, as it emphasizes their belonging to a particular school. The decision to use uniforms has been made in Japan for over 150 years so that children do not feel divided by social status. All children are dressed the same, which does not distract from the educational process and allows you to concentrate on the main thing.
In addition, uniforms develop a sense of unity in children. It is worth noting that in Japan the composition of the class changes annually, which allows children to be more sociable. Plus, this significantly increases the friendly atmosphere in the educational institution itself.
Sailor fuku clothing occupies a special place in uniforms. This is what anime characters most often use, and therefore children tend to imitate these characters. Uniforms most often appear in various comics, animated series and feature films.
Schoolgirls in uniform are a real trend that media companies are constantly promoting. Previously, everyone wore such clothes, regardless of school. However, today municipal educational institutions allow the wearing of jeans and sweatshirts.
Increasingly, you can see that the Japanese have different opinions on uniforms. Some believe that uniforms make it possible to create equality between children and teachers. This approach promotes the development of a team spirit. However, other residents of Japan are convinced that the uniform does not allow children to exercise the right to self-expression and suppresses their individuality.
Uniform uniform standards in Japan began to be introduced after the country opened up to the world, and after it began to fall under Western influence on Japanese culture. Previously, preference was given to national clothes and casual suits.
It is worth noting that, unfortunately, men's adult magazines actively use the image of a Japanese schoolgirl in sexual overtones. This fashion upsets the Japanese very much and is therefore actively condemned.
