In Japan, the women who protected their neighborhoods from fire did not wear uniforms imported from abroad. They wore happi — short cotton jackets dyed in deep navy, marked with kanji that named their squad, their district, and their duty.

This is one of those jackets. Made for the Women’s Firefighting Cooperation Squad during the mid-Showa to Heisei period, this happi coat is a direct artifact of community life in 20th-century Japan. The kanji on the back identifies the squad. The crest marks the wearer’s place within it. The tie closure — an increasingly rare surviving detail — is intact.

Firefighting happi were never made for sale. They were issued to a specific squad in a specific district and worn until they wore out. Almost none left Japan. Collectors and buyers in Europe and North America who follow Japanese workwear have begun searching for this category, and the supply does not replenish.

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: Mid-Showa to Heisei period
• Material: Cotton, deep navy
• Origin: Japan
• Closure: Tie, a rare surviving detail
• Markings: Squad kanji and crest

Measurements

• Length: Approx. 77 cm / 30.3 in, from the back of the collar to the hem
• Chest: Approx. 66 cm / 26.0 in, measured straight across underarms
• Shoulder width: Approx. 67 cm / 26.4 in
• Sleeve length: Approx. 33 cm / 13.0 in, from shoulder to cuff
• Sleeve width: Approx. 29 cm / 11.4 in
• Cuff width: Approx. 25.5 cm / 10.0 in

Please allow for slight measurement variations.

Condition

The white kanji and line details on the collar have taken on a slight blue cast from the navy dye, a natural characteristic of aged cotton. Several small stains are present on the body. These are consistent with age and use; none are prominent in the front-facing view.

Washed twice in-house. A faint vintage odour may remain, which is common with aged cotton textiles. This is an antique item, so please order only if you are comfortable with the character of vintage wear. Returns or exchanges are not accepted for condition-related reasons after purchase.

How to Wear It

Layer it over a white T-shirt and straight-leg denim for an effortless cross-cultural look. The short cut and open front make it easy to style as a statement outer layer, while the kanji and crest carry the story. It can also be considered as material for a carefully planned remake or handmade project.

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.

→ BROWSE MORE HANTEN & HAPPI

Sizing, Returns & FAQ →