Japan's old fire brigades were made of ordinary townspeople, and this is what they wore. An authentic 1950s firefighter happi (a short cotton work coat worn over everyday clothes), carrying a large emblem across the back, two white stripes at the waist, and red stripes running from the shoulders down the sleeves. The collar appears to have been replaced at some point, in indigo-dyed fabric bearing characters in old kanji.

Decades of hard use left fading, damage, and repair after repair. Those marks are the point. This is clothing that was mended because it mattered, the opposite of anything made to be replaced, and the well-worn cotton has a depth no new fabric can imitate. Firefighter happi and hanten are increasingly sought after outside Japan by collectors, slow fashion advocates, and anyone drawn to workwear with a real history.

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For styling, we paired it with a cap, a white T-shirt, Dickies 874 pants, and Clarks Desert Boots. Its workwear and streetwear compatibility makes it an easy way to bring traditional Japanese design into a modern wardrobe. It is also well suited as material for remake and handmade projects.

One piece only. This is a genuine vintage garment, and no second example exists. Once it is gone, it will not return to the store.

Product Details

• Era: Circa 1950s
• Material: Cotton

Measurements (approx.)

• Length (back neck seam to hem): 76 cm / 29.9 in
• Chest (across underarms): 66 cm / 26.0 in
• Shoulder width: 68 cm / 26.8 in
• Sleeve length (shoulder top to cuff): 34.5 cm / 13.6 in
• Sleeve width: 26 cm / 10.2 in
• Cuff width: 21 cm / 8.3 in

Please allow slight variations.

Condition

• The collar appears to have been replaced.
• The hem has been shortened (some stitching is missing).
• There are some stains, bleach marks, damages, missing stitches, color transfers, and repairs throughout the garment.

This is a vintage item; please refrain from purchasing if you are not familiar with the characteristics of aged clothing.

Please note: The item has been washed twice. It may still retain the typical scent of vintage clothing. Any further changes, including odor or additional wear from washing or use, are not eligible for refunds or exchanges.

Please note: The coat will be compressed for shipping, which may cause wrinkles. Other items worn by the model or props used in photos are not included.

Buying From Japan

Every piece at NAMBA SHOUTEN is sourced, inspected, photographed, and shipped by us from Japan. We describe condition honestly, including the flaws, because a vintage garment that hides its history is not worth owning. Orders ship worldwide with tracking.

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For questions about sizing, international shipping, customs, and returns, please visit our FAQ.