Japanese School Uniforms Explained ★ ONLY in JAPAN

Рет қаралды 173,710

Күн бұрын

80% of Japanese High School students prefer uniforms. It's the opposite to western countries - but why? Japanese School Uniforms are an important part of the country's culture - students associate it with their youth. But why do school have different styles, how have uniforms evolved the last 100 years? How much do school uniforms cost in Japan and what do students need to buy? What are the rules for Japanese school uniforms?
We'll visit the KANKO Uniform factory in Okayama for a tour inside as they make a Sailor Fuku outfit from factory to classroom.
High school students also like to wear uniforms outside of school and there is a market for non-school uniforms for their cuteness and style. We'll join some uniform models in Harajuku, Tokyo and ask them what the latest Japanese youth trends are as well as why they prefer school uniforms to their own clothes.
00:00 Start
00:55 Inside Japanese High School Classroom
01:20 What's so special about uniforms?
01:42 Girl's Sailor Fuku Uniform
02:15 Boy's School Uniform in Okayama
03:27 Why some don't prefer uniforms?
03:51 Why Japanese Love School Uniforms
05:35 School Generational Divide on Uniforms
06:48 Inside School Uniform Factory
07:05 Sailor Fuku Uniform History
10:35 School Uniform Costs in Japan
11:10 Uniform Production Schedule
11:46 School Uniform Trends
12:16 Harajuku, Tokyo - After School Uniforms
12:44 What's in fashion now?
13:23 She likes Ribbons!
14:19 Gakuran, Student Uniform
15:28 Japanese School Uniform Rules
16:04 USA & School Uniforms?
16:49 What do you think?
#schooluniforms #onlyinjapan

Пікірлер: 519

@aces7515 5 ай бұрын

My father, born and raised in USA. His father from Japan took him to Japan for his college years. I remember him telling me when I was a child that uniforms were good, cannot tell the rich from the poor, everyone wears the same thing. I’m a senior now but he was so right. Great content John, enjoy and appreciate all your hard work in producing quality work. Sue

@houdacookies 4 ай бұрын

But I don't think it applies now since when people from a normal a school see the uniform of rich kids school they'll kno straight from the uniform cuz one is way more expensive than the other

@etaxalo 4 ай бұрын

@@houdacookies i think its the same in Britain where uniforms differ from the elite schools to the normal schools. my parents said the same thing that when they where in school the uniform was the same for all of them but schools had their own patches with the emblem sewn on to the jackets/blazers so it was identifiable what school the student belonged to. still remembering my student days i think uniforms are still better than the fashion show that we had, and i "guess" some still have.

@seferino 4 ай бұрын

It does benefit poorer kids . Cause everyone will look similar no matter how much money they have. 💯💯💯🤔🤔🤔

@franciscovilcheavila960 3 ай бұрын

@@seferino Actually no, because the rich kids can buy different styles of the uniform (blazer, trenchcoat,vest,sweater with long sleeve and sleeveles sweater,different types of buttoned shirt for the week etc)

@seferino 3 ай бұрын

@@franciscovilcheavila960 not if the school doesn't allow it. Most schools only allow the officials uniform . No exceptions.

@Peso255 5 ай бұрын

The impact of anime/manga really shouldn't be discounted in piquing the interest and fascination of Western audiences towards Japanese uniforms. The mangaka/artists took that "cute" factor of Japanese school uniforms and ran with it, sometimes very wildly, especially with the colors.

@abellabarbie 5 ай бұрын

It's 10000% the main catalyst in the West. No one would discount it. Lol

@hitachicordoba 5 ай бұрын

There is a recent anime/manga specifically on this topic- Akebi's Sailor Uniform. What's your favorite anime school uniform? JJK/Kaguya-sama/Haruhi/Angel Beats/TWGOK/G-Witch? Mine is Cromartie High School!

@KunReku 5 ай бұрын

@@hitachicordoba That's weird, but for me personally the uniform from Charlotte looks kind of unique with the red colour.

@Nohel89 4 ай бұрын

Ist es nicht eher eine sexuelle Fantasie?

@spidernevi 4 ай бұрын

@@hitachicordobaI don't know which anime I like the most since I never rate the school uniform but I definitely enjoy watching Akebi

@kankochannel 5 ай бұрын

カンコー学生服の本社、倉敷工場、カンコーショップ原宿などご取材いただきありがとうござます！台本から撮影、編集までこだわっていただき、本当に素敵な動画でとてもうれしく思います！これからも子どもたちが心も身体も快適に過ごせる制服づくりを目指して邁進いたします！

@Kalani_Saiko 5 ай бұрын

Another thing I noticed about these uniforms is the quality. Even the most simplistic uniforms have pretty good quality. A lot of the school uniforms worn on a daily basis in Australia are pretty cruddy quality wise and unlike the US, nearly every school, public and private, primary and secondary have to wear uniforms. I probably wouldn't have hated them so much if they were more like this 😅😅

@isha3427 4 ай бұрын

I never liked polo shorts 😭 and the polyester sweatpants ☠️. The uniform was not made for Australian summers and they didn’t look cute at all 🫠

@Kalani_Saiko 4 ай бұрын

@@isha3427 100% and even the white shirts aren't good (they're practically see-through)

@ItsLizzy82 4 ай бұрын

When I was in high school in Canada, there was a conversation that started about doing school uniforms in school. Overwhelming amount of students actually wanted school uniforms, they felt they would have less pressure about how they look and what they wear to school. But it was the parents that were against it stating that it would take away individual personality and the cost would make it difficult. Except we found that spending $500 for 4 school uniforms would be less than what parents pay throughout the entire school year for clothes on their kids- which averaged about $1000 per year. It would save parents half and would have made it easier for kids to manage social life and feel less pressured about how they looked.

@isafox4443 3 ай бұрын

In France almost no student wants to wear uniforms but parents do, at the same the prototype uniform they showed us were so basic and lifeless (a blouse and trousers, no wonder no one wants that!)

@RonLarhz 2 ай бұрын

Why is it so expensive? In singapore it's about 15-30bucks each piece. And PE uniform are like 5 bucks.

@ve2vfd 5 ай бұрын

Very interesting seeing how the uniform are viewed by the kids in Japan. Here in Montreal (Canada) uniforms have long been a Private School thing, but in the last 10-15 years have become more and more common in Public Schools. They are not very popular with the kids wearing them but their parents do like the simplicity and not having to deal with the fashion rat-race.

@SuperMrCRAZYMAN 5 ай бұрын

the US on the other hand is mostly anti school uniform giving that people complained that being force to wear one at school is unconstitutional, School system simply enforces dress codes instead.

@neetuh4850 4 ай бұрын

I'm in Ontario, the school uniforms here are awful/ugly, don't fit well and mostly skirts aren't allowed at schools that do the uniforms. I love the Japanese uniforms and bags and wish they would do Japanese uniforms in Canadian schools.

@Horus070 4 ай бұрын

I’m from Brazil and the popularity of wearing uniforms has been phasing out. Some private schools in Brazil still keep the tradition though … through the many years I been to a dozen of schools as I grew up moving a lot,I don’t recall uniforms ever being something cool … some students would try to destroy their uniforms or pretend for some reason they need to buy a new uniform just to wear regular clothing for a day or two. In some schools usually on Wednesdays everyone could go without uniforms as a guarantee that everyone had uniforms clean 😂 for no excuses of their only one uniform was dirty … if they only have one uniform to wear. Yes most people had 2 to 4 pairs of uniforms but some maybe couldn’t afford 🤷‍♂️

@Og-Judy 4 ай бұрын

I went to private school in the 1960s- 1970s. I only has a uniform in High School. It was almost as status thing. People knew EXACTLY what high school we attended if we were in uniform before or after school class hours. It's true. There was no fashion fight. 🤣😛

@Will_Zhao 5 ай бұрын

The content, the editing, the camerawork, this feels like a proper documentary, amazing!

@user.piyopiyo 5 ай бұрын

7:17 A hundred years ago, in some schools, there was a tradition for upperclassmen to create sailor suits in sewing class and present them to new students. Uniform making by upperclassmen had various purposes and effects, including good practice for upperclassmen to improve their sewing skills, cost savings for new students and their parents, and the formation of connections between upperclassmen and underclassmen.

@kinakomono 3 ай бұрын

I agree about sense of unity. that's true. When you're all in uniform, no one is rich and no one is poor. You're all wearing the same thing of the same quality. No one has jordans, no one has gucci bag etc etc. Also that female Autumn uniform looks so good and comfy.

@Botoburst 5 ай бұрын

No need to worry about what to wear each day, and no peer pressure to look cool with the latest fashions. Great idea, it's pretty common in private and parochial schools in the U.S.

@Shadowstray 5 ай бұрын

No peer pressure? You must've missed out on how much bullying happens over the slight differences in how often someone can afford to get these replaced, mended or ironed. God forbid you've had to incorporate some hand-me downs into your rotation. There's also bullying in regular schools without uniforms, but it's easier to hide wealth and social status behind style and fashion. When you're dealing with uniforms, some sweat stains on the collar or a crease in the wrong place make bullying much more formulaic.

@jason_from_canada 5 ай бұрын

It's interesting to see how the uniform is viewed in Japanese culture. I found it interesting that they enjoy wearing them as they associate it with their youth, so it really is the uniform of youth. John rockin' the gakuran! Enjoyed the episode! 👍

@hitachicordoba 5 ай бұрын

The do look pretty cool/clean and egalitarian, but I can see how some would want to express their individual style in a (mostly) homogenous society. I'd like to hear more about how the yankii/bosozoku/sukeban/gyaru subcultures modify their uniforms up to and beyond school regs (yeah I'm a rebel lol)

@sanashi27 5 ай бұрын

We have school uniforms here in the Philippines although nothing as cute as the Japanese uniforms. I kinda understand now why school uniforms in anime (especially for girls) tend to be cute or awesome looking as that's just how it feels like in the real world. If our school uniforms were like that, I'd have wanted to keep wearing them after classes, too! I think it's cool there's non-school uniform fashion there too and it also sounds unique! Outside of Japan that'd probably be thought of as some kind of cosplay though.

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

The thing I learned, one of them, is that by letting students play a role in the design, they become better students! Love the school more, feel more pride and comfort - and maybe this is a template for other countries. Something little like this seems so big.

@sujoygupta2922 5 ай бұрын

I taught at schools in Okayama almost 20 years ago. This video is really going to have a special place in my heart, John. Thank you for showing Okayama some love. It was so lovely to live there. I miss Okayama so much.

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

Me too! Kurashiki too - it was fun to spend a night near the same spot I spent my first night in Japan in 1998!! The back side of Okayama Station.

@sujoygupta2922 5 ай бұрын

@@onlyinjapan I have to keep reminding myself you've lived more than half your life in Japan. You've probably got nostalgia berries all over the nation now. Maybe I'm just a bit jealous. Cheers, John

@jeffshriber6120 4 ай бұрын

Alawys thought the uniforms had to be exactly the same in each school, the fact theres design inputs by the students and some similarities gives them a sence of indepence. Im proud of them.

@WheatThnis 4 ай бұрын

I could not stop laughing @ 15:58 when John smiles to the camera with his hands and the young girls imitate him at the same time.🤣🤣🤣🤣🍻🍻

@path1400 5 ай бұрын

I love uniforms. I think the kids are safer on the street because everyone knows they are underage for a lot of things. A lot of schools in the USA, Canada, UK, etc, require uniforms now.

@lzh4950 3 ай бұрын

My country (Singapore) also bans uniformed students from game arcades & public pool/billard bars probably to fight delinquency, while my school's uniform had metal buttons, including for the breast pockets plus one for each for the 2 shoulder straps that the uniform came with. You used to have to remove the buttons before washing them & put them back on afterwards, but the school has switched to hollow plastic ones that looked like silver metal in colour but were sewn on the uniform & didn't need removing before washing. The uniform also had metal school badges & plastic engraved name tags (which prefiously were laminated); sometimes students might borrow their classmates' name tags if they forgot to bring theirs or if their own broke. Quite uniquely there was a junior college (JC) (what we call high school) with not circular but rectangular buttons, that were engraved to resemble the college's logo. Other than that, JCs uniform are more standardized, being a single shade of beige/khaki/light blue for both the top & trousers/skirt, while those for schools for younger students were less so e.g. some schools had girls wear pinafores instead of skirts, while others adopted a polka-dot/checkered design for the top

@Jellae Күн бұрын

I went to high school in Japan for a year, but now that I’m in university, we don’t get to wear uniforms anymore. I wish I could have spent the full 3 years of high school just to continue wearing a uniform 😭

@jkoadventures7401 5 ай бұрын

Excellent!! I learned a lot from this episode. I understand the benefits of school uniforms & appreciate the ability to “recycle” & reuse the uniforms by siblings. So smart!

@cinnamon_enjoyer4302 4 ай бұрын

It's interesting seeing how people in Japan love their uniforms. In my country, where most if not all students wear school uniforms, it is a maturity thing. When we were young, we felt confined by our uniforms, and thought that it limited our ability to express ourselves. As we age, we more understand that the uniforms unite us. Now as a third year, we see our uniforms as a proud expression of our love of our school and our harmony with the other students. I am glad to see that they seem to have such a mature attitude so early on...

@MyRocx 5 ай бұрын

Great episode about a tradition that is changing with the times to stay relevant. We've all watched anime where everyone is wearing uniforms, but this gives us some more context to why most schools in Japan still choose to use uniforms.

@azabujuban-hito8085 5 ай бұрын

This really brings me back to my school days. I went to a boarding school in Switzerland, and the uniform was incredibly boring.! A white shirt, a vest, a blazer with the school emblem, a tie and a pleated plaid skirt. Now I'm living in Tokyo and see the students with the cute unigorms esp the sailor fuku, I cannot help but felt a bit envious😊

@_2D_ 5 ай бұрын

Fantastic episode, John! High school uniforms are such an iconic visual part of Japanese culture, so it's great to not only see how they're made, but also hearing the thoughts of actual Japanese students. I've always loved the official and proper look of the uniforms.

@kezbot2 5 ай бұрын

An interesting insight into the conception, production and use of Japanese school uniforms. I liked the kawaii pink one! I agree, it would make you feel a closer connection to your school with a sense of pride for students to wear them.

@afizi1213 5 ай бұрын

it also a asia identity and we love they school clothes ,in malaysia we just wear a white school clothes but dont have sweater like japan have it cause they weather changes ,but in style yes japan is paradise and also cute ,waku waku danaaaa

@carolineindacityphx 5 ай бұрын

Such an informative episode. I too had to wear a school uniform although in Malaysia, all schools wear the same colors. It is standardized in the entire country. The students that you interviewed showed great pride in their school identity. And I love that the students seem to want to hold on to their youth!

@arthurg7894 5 ай бұрын

Uniforms are awesome. Not just a money saver but it makes you more than the brands you may or may not wear or the styles that're on trend. Uniforms level the playing field and everyone's an equal. It's up to you to figure out how to stand out so your personality comes first, not what you wear. Just my take

@eggcluck 3 ай бұрын

The reality is not quite this. My school uniforms were always expensive because the shop knew you had to wear them so they would price gouge. The rich kids always found a way to display wealth around the uniform too. And status was shown on how you wore the uniform, the poor kids could only get used uniforms and you can tell.

@annedugan3161 5 ай бұрын

Great episode!! My kids went to Catholic school and having uniforms helped alot. They had dress down days where they could wear regular clothes as well. They looked forward to them.

@rztrzt 5 ай бұрын

We had one civvy day which was spring day.

@hilosky 5 ай бұрын

As a shy kid, I dreaded own clothes days because of the fear of picking the wrong thing and being made fun of. Still enjoyed the break from uniform once in a while though. Helped that one of the civvies days was the end of the year funfair

@studiojsiegel 5 ай бұрын

So cool to see Matt in this episode! I love his podcast! I'm impressed by how put together the vast majority of Japanese people are at all ages!

@kleenbeats 5 ай бұрын

I went to a school in Australia that had strict uniform requirements. If they were not adhered too, students would face “detention” (which meant staying back one hour after school had finished). At the time, as a rebellious teen, I hated having to wear a uniform everyday and often spent my afternoons in detention, haha. It wasn’t until I entered the corporate world that I appreciated the lesson I was, unknowingly, being taught (our external is a representation of our internal)

@like.clarkwork 4 ай бұрын

I respect that the students there like having their uniforms and associating it with school spirit and unity. The comparison to a varsity jacket is spot-on as well. I've never seen someone wear their varsity jackets (or any high school merchandise) outside of high school except for events like homecoming and such, but people still treat their high school clothes as commemorative items. Great video! It's making me wish I had uniforms in high school!

@onlyinjapan 4 ай бұрын

Thank you ^_^ I’ve seen a ton of American HS kids visiting Japan with their HS sweatshirts / hoodies and jackets actually. And hats. Probably Californians. I’ll ask some next time I see them out of curiosity how they feel about their school.

@marcmccann9914 4 ай бұрын

I think a lot of the perceived benefits explored within this (excellent) video of uniforms come from Japanese culture being very unique. I live in the UK and we wear uniforms all the way through primary and secondary school (also at sixth form if you attend) so from 5-18 years old. While having a uniform certainly alleviates the pressure on wearing the latest and greatest fashionable clothes to be cool, kids just find other ways of judging each other. The brand of school bag and shoes that you wear for example are often used as a way of judging others instead. Also, and I think this is where Japanese culture is unique, wearing a uniform feels like a chore here - it certainly isn't a bonding experience it's just something you have to do! One of the downsides, which is kind of covered in this video too is the sheer expense. It often costs many £100s to fully kit a child out with their uniform for the year and it's only able to be worn at school. At least money spent on normal clothing in countries that don't wear uniforms is better spent as they're clothes you can wear at any time. Swings and roundabouts I think, though I generally do favour uniforms over normal clothing at school, I always felt like it sets the mood for learning. Non-uniform days always felt like non serious school days.

@adambastien3635 5 ай бұрын

Great episode, John. I love how well done each new is researched and recorded.

@AlanVByrnes 5 ай бұрын

John thank you so much for this one I am also very interested in Japan’s School Uniforms and how they have changed over the years!! I’m also saving in this in my Only in Japan favorites playlist!! 🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

@ArnoldPranks 5 ай бұрын

Nearly 100% of the working people I saw going to work on the Tokyo subway were wearing black suits.... So even adults love their uniforms... And perhaps uniformity.

@heroino89 5 ай бұрын

Every episode is a masterpiece. Thank you for all those wonderful hours of content you've been giving us over the years!

@Absent641 5 ай бұрын

I went to private school in the US and I liked having uniforms. Living in New York City fashion was a big thing for example having the newest Jordan’s l. Having a uniform where everybody looked the same was such a relief.

@colincofield3747 5 ай бұрын

My wife has always told me about seifuku when she wore it in school, that no matter if you were poor or rich you never could tell if they were or not and it didn't matter if they were. That gakuran you reminded me of my NJROTC uniform I had to wear in high school and loved to wear it.

@eggcluck 3 ай бұрын

Not true. In my school the rich also found a way to show the wealth working around the uniform.

@dezzy6666 5 ай бұрын

Thank you for making this video ❤

@mogerus 4 ай бұрын

Most SEA countries also use uniforms in school. One advantage I see with it is that as a teenager, you don't have to think about what to wear. No need to fret about your OOTD or worry whether people will like what you're wearing.

@PredictableEnigma 4 ай бұрын

Instead they judge you more for your hair, accessories, and makeup if applicable. It might decrese the problem but it never fully goes away since some people will always find ways to judge thier peers.

@hellohi821 5 ай бұрын

Excellent content, once again! A great explanation of Japanese school uniforms, and going right to the students. I am always learning more about Japan by watching this channel.

@GuruChaz 5 ай бұрын

This was another great episode. Thank you!

@bakaichigo 5 ай бұрын

Love this video, thanks for sharing! Was interesting to see the behind the scenes and the factory :D

@sayam4707 5 ай бұрын

My Jr. High uniform was one of those "boring" just navy blazer type for girls and Gakuran for boys. I dreamed of getting sailor fuku or cute plaid skirts and ribbons. But I went to public high school in Tokyo, and most public high schools back then (in Tokyo) didn't have uniforms. Those uniforms from Harajuku store are very cute, indeed. In the U.S., I guess you can just wear plaid cute skirt to school if you want to. I prefer the U.S. way, but school uniforms are big part of Japanese culture, so this video was perfect topic to pick up! I love it!!

@bemysunshine2313 4 ай бұрын

As an exchange student from Europe to Japan, I LOVED my uniform. Every morning, my host-mother would provide a fresh, clean, pressed shirt. I never had to worry towards the end of the week whether I had enough clean clothes, I never had to think about what to wear in the morning, never had to worry whether things matched or looked good together, I knew I wouldn't get bullied because of my clothes, and I could sleep longer knowing I could pull on my uniform with sleep still in my eyes and get dressed without thinking much about it. I did make a mistake in the spring when the weather got warm. Did you know there is a set date on which students change from winter to summer uniforms and back? That's not up to you, whether you feel too warm or too cold! No, the school rules tell you when to switch and that's it!

@toriaezu_nama 5 ай бұрын

Another gem of an episode! Great work, John!

@HitsuTwistedTalong 5 ай бұрын

This is awesome! I always admired Japanese uniforms and how good they look. Also, anime amplifies it as well lol. Great job doing this episode it's really amazing.

@Ikaros--- 4 ай бұрын

Interesting episode, especially the design and manufacturing segments. The military/naval styling definitely gives a unique feeling. In the UK we have uniforms but they're all fairly similar, just different colour palettes. The sailor fuku in particular have lots of areas for different colours, where here it would just be the tie or maybe the skirt, blazers are usually a single flat colour with an emblem, and shirts are always white with plain buttons. In sixth form the uniform follows business regulations, so you're free to express yourself a bit more. The difference between summer and winter uniforms aren't all that well defined here either, it's usually just whether you wear a jumper or not, what color tights are worn, and whether taking off your blazer is acceptable. The quality shown in the video is really impressive, I don't know if it's just because these are high end uniforms, but the fabric looks really nice and seems comfortable, which isn't really the case for the school specific uniforms here, which seem to be mass produced with a focus on value rather than quality.

@AndrewDrazdikJr 5 ай бұрын

Being a business invitee has been a recent investigation of business terminology with the duty of care. The use of duty has many word sense of law and contract business items. In a formal use of implied contract law the uniform means that representation of the organization has the use of the customary rules. A similar concern has been involved with corporate emblem on business cards, badge pins, and all things corporate. This video does excellent in depth research and analysis with the school uniform to show exact history and representation of the school uniform. Great job John Daub: Only in Japan narrator.

@MyHandle4455 19 күн бұрын

Your channel is amazing. Love it!

@michaelsasano8622 5 ай бұрын

Aloha John. LOVED this video! When I visited the Hiroshima Bomb Dome and Museum there were many Japanese students there and I noticed they had different uniforms on. I also seen children there as well and wondered if they had the same options as the high schoolers to have a choice on their attire. Didn't think they did since they all wore the same uniforms.

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

Thank you Michael!

@Del-Lebo 5 ай бұрын

That gakuran uniform looks sharp!!! I could easily wear that style any day!!!

@ohyeah4194 2 ай бұрын

Pros of uniform: no unnecessary wearing competition in school. Cons: if the uniform is designed terribly, that will be painful. I remember my school uniform had 7 copper buttons that had to be put on and tear down every day because it couldn't be washed, thus unnecessary time spent on the uniform every day. And since the uniform represents the school image (it affects their business), the rules department will go beyond to check if u put on every copper button (2 of the buttons are for the pocket, 2 on the shoulders, it's wearable without them) and tuck the shirt in nicely, so no wearing freedom is a painful thing too. If u wanna answer on uniform, yes or no, I will say it depends.

@heyitsme9258 5 ай бұрын

The girls uniform are so cute. Makes me want to wear one even though I am no longer in high school. Great work John

@billymays4376 5 ай бұрын

I love this channel!!! I love the traditionalism of Japan too, and I really hope some day I can come and visit for at least a week to just try to soak in some city life but also definitely some of the country living. If I find John it's game over, he has taught so many of us so much and no shame, but I'm asking if I can book a day to see some stuff with him.

@aprasert 5 ай бұрын

Love the long format videos! You should wear that uniform all the time.

@fariqshamm 5 ай бұрын

Its a good day when John uploads a new video!!

@LilaKooks 4 ай бұрын

When I was a kid, my older cousins would give me and my sister, their old school uniforms, so that we could wear them when we traveled. We really really enjoyed them, because we looked cute, and put together.

@jarihult 5 ай бұрын

Quite interesting and educational video 😎Thank you for sharing John🙂👍!!!

@rogink 5 ай бұрын

Very interesting to see how school uniforms are viewed in Japan, and how Japanese teenagers view themselves. There was a lot of reference to the uniforms being 'cute'. I've not sure many European or N American kids would want themselves or their clothes to be thought of as 'cute' - certainly past 9-10 years old! A big argument for school uniforms in the UK is that they are low cost, and eliminate the concern that kids wearing their own clothes would compete to wear the most expensive - or outlandish - outfits. But clearly that's not the case in Japan. I'm not surprised how expensive they are as the manufacture looks very labour intensive. If you polled British school children I'm sure the numbers would be reversed - more like 80% against uniform!

@clickbait9313 5 ай бұрын

Oh ! I was watching one of your livestream this summer while you were wearing the gakuran and were looking for a fresh drink !!!! This video took time to edit but it was really good, congrats

@Adanos_ger 4 ай бұрын

This was a very nice watch. Thank you very much

@REVIEWSONTHERUN 5 ай бұрын

Amazing work. Thanks for sharing it. ✌️

@NealeOBrien 5 ай бұрын

When I first wore a school uniform (many years ago), it was seen as a chore and wasn't popular. I was happy to see the schoolboys and girls happy to wear a uniform, and even taking a pride in wearing it. Uniform gives a child a sense of belonging to the school and being a part of it. It also prevents children being in competition with each other by wearing the latest fashions and keeping up with each other, as not every parent can provide their child with the latest trends etc. This is a great equaliser, as it stops less well of families feeling inferior. That's quite apart from the fact that they look a lot smarter and, in the case of Japanese students, insanely cuter!!! 🥰 I love the sailor style and wish we had it in The UK! Thank you for a great video.

@nightshadegiggle 5 ай бұрын

My school back then we had some rules, the uniforms were mostly jackets and logos of the school mascot, wearing the jackets did give us a more feel connection of being more part of the school.

@paulmetheny2126 2 ай бұрын

This is very informative, now that I've joined the member group would like to keep up with your studies. First I have to watch your video collection.🙂 Thank You Much...

@kikig6318 4 ай бұрын

I wore a uniform from kindergarten until I finished middle school here in the USA since I went to a private school. Personally I didn't mind the uniform or the other dress code rules, I only didn't like it when I was forced to wear a skirt on formal days (whenever we had important visitors, it was a mass day which was once a month, when it was open house day, etc) since there wasn't much for me to do as someone who liked to run around and climb trees in the schoolyard a lot as a kid. My classmates on the other hand usually weren't pleased, at least the other girls weren't, but this was mainly because we weren't allowed makeup or jewelry (a kid once got a warning due to having nail polish). It also didn't help that apparently there was a weird "war" between the kids at my school and a nearby school that shared the same busses and the uniforms apparently made my classmates targets. Idk, I never took the bus since I lived five minutes away from where the schools in my town were located and could just easily walk there if there wasn't any rain or snow. But according to a former classmate it included a lot of pranks and punching with little adult intervention.

@gredarthd5292 5 ай бұрын

To be honest I really liked the outfit that you wore, I know that it was a school uniform and all but I wouldn't mind wearing that normally it was just really sharp. As for the whole uniform culture in Japan I think that it brings the people together and make's them feel like they are a part of something bigger which can be a good thing but also can be a bad thing at times but overall I think it is good. Great Video by the way I like every time I see a new one from you :)

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

Thank you, I appreciate the vote for “not cringy” 😂🗳️ military uniforms are timeless but the Gakutan are now so associated with JR HS students, it’s hard to see adults in it. ;)

@etherdog 5 ай бұрын

John, you looked quite debonair in your gakuran as opposed to you normal uniform of shorts, sandals, t-shirt, and hat. Tell Matt that I really enjoyed his book and it was much more scholarly, informative, and entertaining than I had first imagined. Very well done!

@mikoseru5569 5 ай бұрын

I enjoyed watching this video(or rather documentary) more than i expected haha. Great video john! also your editing skills are amazing :)

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@Rostov_red_beard 5 ай бұрын

thank you for this great perspective John! hope you are enjoying your time with your family happy Christmas!

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

Having a wonderful time in the US right now 🤩🎄 thank you!

@GSAproductions 5 ай бұрын

I would love to see an episode about Sliding Doors in Japan.

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

Ooooh, that’s certainly a topic I could cover.

@deco983 4 ай бұрын

Great job! That was awesome!

@thomasbeach905 4 ай бұрын

A couple of things: it is uncommon for elementary schools to have uniforms, so the transition to middle school, where they get uniforms is somewhat of a “rite of passage “. The gakuran was patterned after 19th century Prussian uniforms, similar to how the girls’ were patterned after the Royal Navy.

@JcDizon 5 ай бұрын

From what I have seen in most anime, elementary schools usually don't have uniforms but middle schools and high schools has. College/university also usually do not have a uniform system.

@bawintermage8351 5 ай бұрын

Glad to see you are back to your documentary roots. This is really your gift to all of us in the community. One day, they will say your name in the same vane as Ken Burns.

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

I love to share what I learn about the amazing country I call home, and I learned a lot! Finding the roots of the culture really explains so much about a lot of other things I have learned questions about with Japan. Ken Burns is awesome! I’m not in that boat, but maybe one day, I’ll make a long doco that really goes deep into Japan’s past and its connection to today and win that award.

@bawintermage8351 5 ай бұрын

@@onlyinjapan When that day comes, I'm sure Leo will be so proud!!!

@beggarman8590 4 ай бұрын

Not my kind of content but I watched it because of the high quality production. great job well done.

@Kneewrote 5 ай бұрын

John with that swagger 😎I've always wanted to know how sailor uniforms became a thing over there.

@Shinjikun1 5 ай бұрын

We in Puerto Rico have to wear school uniforms from Kindergarten to Grade 12 H.S. Mostly for security, not so much as a fashion or personality statement. Nice report John.

@iiraingirlii 5 ай бұрын

I’ve been watching you for 8 years ❤ love you man

@kirksmithbass 4 ай бұрын

Great episode, John!

@1982lalaland 5 ай бұрын

Fascinating, I never realised it was such a thing there, this style of uniform, I just thought it was a fashion thing. Here in Ireland just about all schools wear a uniform, and often include a tie - the standard sort, never with a those bows, cute though they are! Think of the Derry Girls and you’ll get the idea 😅 my first thought when I saw the sailor collars was how Edwardian in style they are. I’m in my 50s now but I loved wearing my school uniform back in the 80s - no stress about what to wear to look stylish or cool each day, everyone wore the same and it made life easier with my own kids too!

@paulccrimmins 5 ай бұрын

Aloha 🤙 from Honolulu!! Thanks for another great video, John. It is so interesting to learn about Japanese customs and culture. It's just so different than anywhere else on the planet

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

Aloha 🤙

@argasetya9433 4 ай бұрын

Now that another video that im always enjoyed created by you,, keep making the great video!

@007007gf 5 ай бұрын

Great video with the bonus, Matt Alt. Lots of research. In the US, private schools may have uniforms for regular and sportswear. Public school, generally government funded, may have uniforms for sport activities only, such as a t-shirt. The pants tend to be their own shorts with a specific color. Since the Japanese children wear uniforms at such an early age, it becomes so natural to wear it and be a part of a group, which carries over as an adult integrated into society. It works "only in Japan". Merry Christmas to you, Kanae, and Leo.

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

Merry Christmas 🎄٩(^‿^)۶

@samlovatt6966 5 ай бұрын

Do love them School uniforms over there. just how amazing design they are there.

@jackiemurray5426 4 ай бұрын

I've been out of school for a while. I am thankful the only uniform I had was for pep club! Wore it on Fridays before a school game.

@TheBradylands 5 ай бұрын

Again one of the best videos, so interesting .

@SonnyO 5 ай бұрын

You looked amazing in that gakuran uniform. The cape and hat would make you a badass.

@Wombatmetal 3 ай бұрын

I went to a church high school, we had uniforms. We were also poor and I went on a scholarship. The cost of the uniforms was hard on the family. Those who say you can't tell rich from poor, that's not the case.

@user-pt8tg7dv1b 4 ай бұрын

アメリカ在住半世紀以上ですが東京の母校(女子校)の制服が自分が6年間着ていたのと同じです。とてもシンプルでしたが校章ではっきり周りからも分かる様でした。あの制服は今も誇りに思っています。

@alejandrosilvestre6773 5 ай бұрын

super interesting, good information video, and the intro is super cool, congrats.

@anobayantv Ай бұрын

This is awesome 😮😊❤

@MoQambique 5 ай бұрын

I remember watching this live stream... You were SWEATING in the summer heat in that outfit 🤣

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

It was so hot 🥵 for a Gakuran! Glad I tried it though. The live stream is fun to rewatch after this release: kzfaq.infommGHMU-L7jg?si=3tiMNoMelZKTVg0X

@SunspotGallery 5 ай бұрын

Always loved the cut of a gakuran. :)

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

It is an amazing uniform, loved the cut too.

@-lisagaming-3390 4 ай бұрын

I really like the uniforms of all types because it is gives off unity but I think it should be accessorize a little like wearing earrings and the tie and bow to give their own personality but still feel the sense of unity

@ajwinberg 5 ай бұрын

I just found you channel and have been enjoying it.

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

Welcome ٩(^‿^)۶ thanks for writing and I’m thrilled you’re enjoying the series 🎌😃

@Ashursardan 4 ай бұрын

Interesting and informative video. I enjoyed hearing why the Japanese students like having uniforms. On a side note, it sounds like the dude at 11:09 says, “Donald Duck said good”. Somehow, I think Donald would especially approve of the sailor uniforms.

@chaosmensch1 5 ай бұрын

I wasn't expecting Matt Alt to be in the episode what a nice surprise!

@onlyinjapan 5 ай бұрын

He’s in the next one too.

@stacyscooby8488 5 ай бұрын

The uniforms look amazing . i Grew up in the Ca. i didn't have to where Them . but they Look so amazing i want one . the backpacks look cool.

@mytbread108 5 ай бұрын

My family lives in the United States. My daughter has been going to a charter school for 5 years. Starting in 5th grade and now in 9th grade. The dress code is the same for elementary, middle, and high. A collared three button shirt with the school emblem. This also applies to vests and jackets. Pants are either black or khaki with no extra pockets. Skirts are the same colors below the knee. Though it has been an added expense there are uniform exchanges that help to reduce the cost. As a parent I have seen many benefits and truly the cost is no more than buying standard clothes for school. As a child I attended a private school for a time that had a strict dress code but no uniforms. I think it would have been better to have a uniform as I regularly saw students getting written up for one item they were wearing. My daughter does not complain about her uniform. Not sure if there is a connection but her school seems far better behaved than a regular public school.