many schools require students<\/a><\/strong> to wear school-specific uniforms, some still don’t. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd then, some individual teachers may not enforce wearing uniforms in their classes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
School uniforms in Japan are often made from polyester and cotton blends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can be machine-washed and are relatively low in maintenance. Some schools have stricter uniform policies and require that the uniforms be dry-cleaned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Japanese school uniform almost always requires students to wear black shoes made from leather or vinyl with laces and rubber soles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many schools also require the boots to be polished regularly; in some cases, they have a different color for summer and winter terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, students have been increasingly pressured to wear uniforms because it makes it easier for rescuers to identify them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There have also been reports of parents feeling more comfortable about their children attending schools that require uniforms because they feel that it will make locating their children in case of an emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Losing a student’s school uniform is cause for concern. So, what do students do in Japan if they lose their uniforms?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Students who lose their uniforms will borrow them from classmates or friends. But there are also cases where they buy second-hand<\/strong> uniforms at local stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStudents’ parents typically buy replacement uniforms since most students cannot afford to do them independently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some pricy schools make sportswear compulsory for physical education classes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In those cases, students don’t have to buy a whole new uniform but can instead borrow the sports gear from the school as long as they return them afterward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The first reason is the history of the Japanese school uniform. The modern Japanese school uniform was based on the Japanese Navy’s uniforms<\/strong> during the early Meiji period (1868-1912).<\/p>\n\n\n\nAt that time, the Japanese Navy was one of the most potent navies globally, and its uniforms were seen as very stylish and modern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second reason is the weather in Japan. Unlike in other countries, where it is typically colder during the school year, Japan has a relatively warm climate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, the Japanese school uniform is lightweight and cool to wear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n