The dictionary, ”Kojien” defines “Uniform”
as “Clothing to be worn compulsorily by members who belong a particular
group(students, Cpolice officers, etc.)”. This article summarizes various
kinds of information on uniforms, mainly in Japan under above definition. All
types of uniform are covered except the two listed below.
1:
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Uniforms worn by people involved in religion, such as priests and preachers.
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2:
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Uniforms worn by athletes.
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1.
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Functions common to all uniforms
Below are basic functions common to all types of uniforms.
As in dictionary, ”Kojien”, definition given above, uniforms are
worn by members of a particular group; therefore, it can be said that uniforms
identify the particular group of the wearer and distinguish the wearer’s
occupation, except school uniforms; and in some cases, uniforms are worn
because of the need to manifest a specific authority attached to certain
occupations. Further, within a particular group, design on a certain part
of the uniform is sometimes modified to show class of position within that
organization.
Uniforms specially made to allow ease of certain movements are worn by groups
to enable smooth execution of operations/tasks.
As a secondary function, well-designed uniforms may raise the wearer’s
pride in her/his group, and in those who see the wearer may arouse a sense
of trust and longing for the group or occupation.
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2.
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Social position and occupation by functions of uniforms
a.Those who wear uniforms for the purpose of stimulating awareness as students,
as well as of strengthening their sense of unity as members of an educational
institution.
Schoolgirls/Schoolboys, Students
Another reason may be to prevent an atmosphere of extravagance and luxury
within the school.
b.Occupations that wear uniforms because of strong need to manifest ocupational
authority and legal powers in the surroundings
Judges, Self-Defense Forces personnel, police officers, maritime safety
officials, immigration guards, immigration officers, quarantine officers,
prison personnel, prison instructors, Imperial guards, Diet guards, various
guards, surveillance agents etc.
c.Occupations that wear uniforms because of strong need for awareness of
discipline
Personnel at various public transportation facilities involved with driving
etc.
d. Occupations that wear uniforms to maintain hygienic and antibacterial
effects
* Medical : Doctors, nurses, pharmacists etc.
* Culinary : Master chefs, cooks, Japanese-food
chefs etc.
* Other : Barbers, hair stylists etc.
e.Occupations that wear uniforms to manifest occupational duties so as to
enable smooth movements for tasks
Firefighters, mail delivery personnel, personnel involved in construction
work such as water and sewerage systems and electric wiring etc.
f.Occupations that wear uniforms specially designed in terms of smooth movements
necessary for occupational tasks
Personnel working in various plants, facilities and other locations etc.
g. Service business that require uniforms to catch guest’s eyes and
help attract guests, while clearly distinguishing themselves from guests
at a glancePersonnel of various stores, hotels, cabin attendants of transportation
etc.
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3.
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Size of uniform market and its transition etc.
No documents can be found stating size of uniform market accurately and
in detail, but below is an estimate in 2005. The amount is based on delivery
to users.
| Student uniforms |
80 billion yen |
| Women’s office uniforms |
88 billion yen |
| Work uniforms |
174 billion yen |
| Lab coats, customer service-related uniforms |
196 billion yen |
| Public office-related uniforms |
66 billion yen |
| Total |
Approx. 600 billion yen |
It is said that Osaka Expo, held in 1970, raised interest
toward uniforms in Japan. The glamorous uniforms worn by the so-called companions
at various pavilions greatly prompted the wearing of uniforms in service
businesses etc. The market expanded thereafter, in accordance with the economic
growth of the time, but it peaked with the so-called economic bubble, around
1990; from then on all categories, excluding public office related uniforms,
showed gradual decreases each year, reaching 2005 levels given above for
reasons of economic decline, as listed below.
a.Fall in unit price due to curtailment of expenses
b.Fall in demand due to labor reduction
c. Downsizing of domestic businesses due to transfers to overseas
d.Reduction in public projects
Further, demand for school uniforms is expected to gradually decrease due
to the falling birthrate.
However, the market size touched bottom in 2005, and now seems to be making
a gradual recovery centered around the growth of companies involved in service
business. etc. This is basically due to economic recovery and an improved
employment rate, temporarily accelerated by factors listed below.
a.Uniform renewals due to integration etc. of airlines companies
b.Merger of major commercial banks
c.Commencement of private illegal parking warden system
d.Emergence of newcomers with new ideas
In addition, the planned integration of private railway companies in the
Kansai Region must also be a target of interest for this industry.
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4.
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Use of uniforms
Uniforms worn for occupational reasons are property of the group that the
wearer belongs to; they are being lent to the wearer by the group. Therefore,
a wearer who ceases to be a member of the group must return the uniform.
In some groups, uniforms may result in problems if worn by ineligible persons;
if this is the case, the group should dispose of the returned uniforms to
the point that they are no longer wearable so as to prevent them from falling
into the wrong hands.
The cost of laundering lent uniforms is usually borne by the wearer. However,
laundering is time-consuming, and if left to individuals, there is a possibility
of the uniforms being worn unlaundered for a long period of time. This trend
resulted in the launching of uniform rental service business that include
laundry services. This service is advantageous to groups that incorporate
uniforms, because it allows the group to spread out the cost burden of uniform
bulk purchase within a fixed period, and can flexibly cope with fluctuations
in personnel affairs. This is also advantageous to uniform businesses, since
it gives them a guarantee of supply for a fixed period. Further, it is said
that environmental burden can be reduced by laundering at specialized laundry
plants, instead of individually at home, and there is a law in the US mandating
consignment of uniform laundering to professional laundering businesses.
In Japan, uniform rental began in the 1970s with lab coats of medical personnel,
and has now expanded to include many others. Its market size is estimated
to be 70 billion yen per year.
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Sewing etc. of uniforms
Most of the uniform sewing process takes place outside of Japan; the percentage
is estimated to be 80 to 90% (some uniforms cannot be sewn overseas for
such reasons as the instruction of the users). Of this, 80 to 90% takes
place in China, the rest in Vietnam. In either case, orders seem to be placed
with plants somehow tied up with Japanese companies through joint venture
agreement or other arrangements.
In China, where a majority of the sewing orders are placed, uniforms are
beginning to attract much attention, partially due to the hosting of the
2008 Olympics in Beijing; this is evidenced in various ways, such as the
annual China Occupational Uniform Expo. Thus, the Japanese uniform industry
is beginning to focus more on China.
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6.
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Consideration for environmental issues
As consideration for environmental issues, the industry promotes 3Rs (Reduce,
Reuse, Recycle), and is particularly focusing its efforts on popularizing
uniforms made with recycled polyester, produced from recycled PET bottles
and returned uniforms. Further, with the so-called “Green Purchasing
Law” enforced in 2001, public institution etc. is now required to make
efforts to purchase products of less environmental burden; included in the
target products are “uniforms and work wear.” These uniforms
are made with recycled polyester, and the industry organization has decided
to attach Eco marks to sewn products made in Japan, as well as in other
countries, that meet certain standards.
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7.
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Japan’s situation on uniforms
The numbers given above showing the size of the uniform market seem to represent
a uniform situation that is particular to Japan. That is, the percentage
of women’s office uniforms accounts for approximately 15%, which is
very high. It can be said that wearing uniform in office work is rare both
for women and men in other countries. Investigation of the reason behind
the popular use of uniforms in office workers, especially women, may drop
a hint for some characteristics of Japanese corporate culture.
On the other hand, the average working age of women is getting higher, which
is resulting in difficult circumstances; one is that it is awkward for younger
and older workers to wear the same uniform, another is that aging brings
about changes in physique that make uniforms inappropriate.
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(We would like to thank “ Osaka Uniform Manufacturers Association”
and “Uniform Planning & Investigation Committee” for their cooperation
in writing out this article.) |
