Japan introduced Western style school uniforms in the late 19th century as a part of its modernization program. Today, school uniforms are almost universal in the public and private school systems. They are also used in some Women's colleges.

The Japanese high school uniform traditionally consists of a military style uniform for boys and a sailor dress (sailor fuku) for girls. The uniforms are based on Meiji era formal military dress, themselves modelled on European-style naval uniforms.

The school uniform is an established part of Japanese life. Stylized school uniforms are prominent for instance in the Japanese comic Sailor Moon, or in Card Captor Sakura. Different schools in Japan are known for their particular uniform.


Japanese high school students

Uniforms