Figure 1.--This is one of the styles of school uniform adopted by Japanese primary schools after World war II. I'm not sure what this style was called. Schools varied as to how strivtly the uniform was worn. Some were quite strict. Note the boy's cap worn with a chin strap. This was part of the uniform and boys were required towearit with the chin syrap.

Most Japanese students wore school uniforms in the early 20th century. After the War many but not all primary schools dropped uniforms. About a third of primary schools retained uniforms andcseveral styles were adopted. The secondary schools did not drop uniforms and most retained the standard Prussian cadet and sailor suit uniform worn before the War.

Primary Schools

Primary schools in the early 20th century hadsimple uniformds with a simple military style. The boys generally wore long knee-length shorts. Often schools in rural arwas were less strict about a uniform. The boys worn uniforms with A prussian look--especially the secondary schools. The girls wore British looking sailor dresses. After World War II, attitudes changed. Manu primary schools dropped uniform requirements. Quite a number of schools continued to require a uniform, but the uniforms adopted at most schoolds no longer had a military look. A common uniform were sweaters and short pants. The shorts were often quite short. Both ankle and kneesocks were worn. Some younger boys wore tights. Some schools had blazers. Schools varied on their choice of headear, if any was chosen. The styles adoopted had a European look.

Secondary Schools

The Prussian cadet uniforms and sailor dresses were worn in Japanese secondary schools beginning in the late 19th century. Few Japanrese gitrls attended secondary school until well into the 20th centuty. Unlike primary schools, most secondary schools retained the military looking school uniform even after World War II. These military uniforms are still widely worn at secondary schools, but some schools have adooted British-style blazers. Most secondary schools, however, retained the military looking school uniform. These military uniforms are still widely worn at secondary schools, but some schools have adooted British-style blazers. These new styles are still worn at a minority of schools, but the number is increasing.

Created: May 7, 2004
Last updated: May 7, 2004