Seifuku Syndrome

[2triky]

Cool Japan spreads uniform culture globally

BY HIROMI OIDA, THE ASAHI SHIMBUN

2009/11/24

Loathed by generations of wearers as a symbol of monotony and conformity, Japan's ubiquitous school uniform has evolved into a much sought-after item of apparel.

For decades, critics labeled uniforms as a classic example of how Japan's straitjacket society had sapped its youths' individuality.

Now, modified school uniforms are seen as a symbol of modernity, spurring creativity among fashion-conscious schoolgirls who wear them with verve.

The school uniform's prominence in anime and manga illustrations has led to the "new" schoolgirl look that is attracting interest overseas, where it is a symbol of Cool Japan.

At CONOMi, a shop specializing in school clothing and accessories on Takeshita-dori street in the heart of Tokyo's ultra-cool Harajuku district, the evidence of such rising interest is clear.

Here anyone can buy nanchatte seifuku--literally, phony uniforms.

"Isn't that soooo cute?" one shopper, a 15-year-old first-year student at a public senior high school in Tokyo, cooed as she compared neck ribbon bows with two friends. The bows range in price from 1,575 yen to 2,100 yen.

"Maybe I want pink instead of red," a friend said.

The girl said her school has an official uniform, but she likes to add a little extra flair when she wears it outside school hours. She exchanges the official bow with an unofficial one of a different color or shape. ...more...

[Screwed-down Hairdo]

Originally Posted by 2triky

Cool Japan spreads uniform culture globally

What is the world coming to if the entire globe is falling for the same fetishes as sick and depraved ojisan? (Spoken as one of the sick and depraved brethren...I wouldn't mind checking if that little cutie above has her hem at the right length....

[2triky]

Originally Posted by Screwed-down Hairdo

What is the world coming to if the entire globe is falling for the same fetishes as sick and depraved ojisan?

A fair commentary.

(Spoken as one of the sick and depraved brethren...I wouldn't mind checking if that little cutie above has her hem at the right length....

You'd be taking a hit for the team? What a hard knock life.

[Hokgwai]

puh-lease.........

[American Oyaji]

I know this is about the sailor uniforms (gotta remember to research why they chose a sailor pattern), I didn't know about the uniforms until I got here.
I knew in a vague sense that students wore uniforms, but the only one I knew about was when my friend Makoto wore his instead of a suit for some function. It was the most dressy thing he head to wear. I thought it was just some sort of Japanese fashion and thought it was really cool. This was in my first year of collage..back in '91.

[angelhalo55]

ok that is too much O.O but i admit it looks cute =3