How Japan’s iconic school uniforms change

Japanese school uniform, called Seifuku or Gakuseifukuis an iconic symbol of Japanese culture and can be identified through manga, anime and movies. From Gakulan Jotaro Kujo and Hiroshima’s Jotaro Kujo dressed Jojo’s strange adventure To the iconic sailor uniform Sailor Moonthese uniforms have developed significantly over time.

They have experienced significant shifts over the centuries, reflecting the political shifts, cultural values ​​and international influences in Japan and have influenced through the school approach.

Courtesy of Wikicommons – Terakoya Issunshi Hanasato -Tokyo Metropolitan Library

Edo Period (1603–1868): Pre-uniform Age

During the Edo period, formal education mainly existed in Terakoya (Temple School), originated from the Mororan period (1336)–1573). Since the concept of standardized “school uniforms” has not yet appeared in Japanese society, children participating in Terakoya usually wear traditional Japanese costumes of the time, such as simple kimono or Hakama, and their outfits clearly reflect their social status and family background.

Courtesy of Wikicommons – Gakuran school uniform and hat worn by boys during Meiji period

Meiji Period (1868–1912): The Birth of Modern School Uniforms

The Meiji recovery marks the beginning of Japan’s rapid modernization and standardized education nationwide. Following the orders of the Gakusei or the 1872 education system, gradually introducing Western-style uniforms into Japanese schools meant the country’s commitment to modernization. The first standardized school uniform of a boy at a prestigious academy attended by Japanese nobles began in Gakushuin.

The male uniform was deliberately modeled in the form of a naval cadet uniform, with its dark, turtle-necked Gakuran with brass buttons. For female students, traditional Hakama skirts worn in kimonos became standard clothing.

Courtesy of Wikicommons – Girls in Serafuku in Fukuoka Jo Gakuin

Taisho Period (1912–1926): Improvements and sailor suits

The Taisho era brought further influence to the West and introduced what would become Japan’s most iconic school uniform. In the early 1920s, familiar sailor-style girls’ clothing was first introduced in Fukuoka Jo Gakuin and subsequently spread across the country.

These unique uniforms were directly inspired by the Royal Navy costumes of the British, reflecting Japan’s continued fascination with Western maritime powers. This water glove suit represents not only modernity and Western ideals, but also a visual breakthrough in traditional gender restrictions, giving young women greater freedom of movement and a sense of social participation in Japan’s modernization.

Meanwhile, the boys continued to wear military-style Gakuran, which by this time firmly established the standards for male students across the country.

Courtesy of gendai.media – 1937, a girl wearing a sailor suit top and Monpei Walker pants

Early Show Period (1926-1945): Militarization

Before and during World War II, the militarist climate increasingly affected school uniforms and their social significance. The boys’ uniforms evolved into a more military style, often combining hats and simpler designs that emphasized the practicality of physical exercise and preparation.

During wartime shortages, uniforms are bound to be simplified and girls sometimes wear them Mengpei Due to the ration of fabrics and the need for practical clothing instead of the usual clothing in air raids or evacuation drills.

Post-War Show Period (1945-1989): Standardization and Rebellion

After World War II, school uniforms evolved against the backdrop of defining the economic recovery and ultimate prosperity that era. Under the American occupation, education reform attempted to eliminate the most obvious military influence of schools, although the basic unified style remained largely intact due to its practicality and ingrained traditions. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the standardization period consolidated the classic image of Japanese school uniforms that would continue to this day.

But from the late 1960s to the early 1970s, school uniforms faced a rebound in student movements, criticizing them as symbols of authoritarianism, leading some urban schools to abandon them. In the late 1980s, many schools transformed from traditional sailor uniforms to blazers, enhancing the unified breed and improving their image.

However, in the 1970s and 1980s, the youth rebellion manifested as They are Girls gang and YAN Boys criminal groups intentionally change their uniforms – extend skirts, modify collars or Wearing pants is more permitted than regulations – As an act of disregard for school authority.

Courtesy of Wikicommons – Kogyaru Fashionable Female Student

Heisei Period (1989-2019): Diversity and Innovation

The Heisei era brought significant changes to unified design as schools responded to social evolution and market forces. Western-style blazers and skirts have become more common in urban areas and in private schools because they are considered more modern.

Cooperation between fashion brands Eastboy and magazines Seventeen In the early 2000s, Easter boys’ uniforms became a symbol of the unified culture of the Hays era, especially among high school girls.

this Adjustment Subculture It also affected the uniform look, loose socks, and miniskirts and skirts became fashion statements for wearing uniforms. It is worth noting that luxury brands have also found their own way in school uniform creation. Controversial Armani uniforms are introduced at Taimei Elementary School in Tokyo Represents the peak of this trend.

REIWA Period (2019-present): Inclusiveness and Practicality

The current era of Reva witnessed an accelerated change in unified philosophy as schools adapt to contemporary values ​​and needs. Many manufacturers have made practical improvements with modern technical fabrics, with stretching, hygroscopic properties and stain resistance, making uniforms more comfortable and durable for everyday wear.

Environmental awareness leads to a focus on sustainability, with eco-friendly uniforms using recycled materials such as polyester materials made from plastic bottles as an option for environmentally friendly schools and communities.

Many educational institutions now offer The choice of gender-neutral uniformityenabling students to choose accessories such as ribbons and ties, regardless of their gender identity, reflects a broader social dialogue about gender expression and inclusion in Japanese society.

Related Articles