Happi
A happi (法被, 半被) is a traditional Japanese straight-sleeved coat. They are usually worn only during festivals. Originally these represented the crest of a family, as happi were worn by house servants. Firefighters in the past also used to wear happi; the symbol on their backs referred to the group with which they were associated.[1] In English, happi is most often translated as "happi coat" or "happy coat".
Women at a festival wearing a happi
Edward, Prince of Wales (centre), later Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, wearing a happi
References
- Drazen, Patrick. Anime explosion!: the what? why? & wow! of Japanese animation. Stone Bridge Press, 2003. ISBN 1-880656-72-8. Page 322. "In time, these groups of fire-fighters, adopting uniforms consisting of the short jackets called happi emblazoned with the mon (crest) of the particular group, so that one gang could be distinguished from another."
| Traditional |  | |
|---|---|---|
| Headgear | ||
| Belt / Sash | ||
| Footwear | ||
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