Uniform Culture in Japan. Are the Japanese always in Uniform?

Abstract

Doing research on the tradition, history, psychology and anthropology relating to Japanese uniform culture, I argue that because of the strong sense of belonging to a group or family, the Japanese actively use clothing styles and/ or uniforms to maintain the sense unity and membership of this specified group. I explain the importance of social groups in Japanese society, as well as why the uniform is an important visual indicator as to which group the wearer belongs to, in order to maintain societal cues and appropriate behaviour between individuals. I intend to prove that the Japanese are not used to being out of uniform, and that however they style their appearance they will be recognized as a member of a group, whether it’s their intention or not.