TOKYO — A Tokyo public school has adopted Giorgio Armani uniforms for students, triggering criticism in a country where hefty school fees are already burdening young parents.
Taimei Elementary School in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza shopping district has announced plans to introduce the new uniform option, which cost more than 80,000 yen ($730) for a full set. A minimum set — a navy-blue jacket and matching trousers or a skirt, a long sleeve shirt and a hat — would be more than twice the price of the current uniforms.
The school’s principal, Toshitsugu Wada, told a news conference Friday that the top fashion brand would fit Taimei’s identity as “a school of Ginza.” He said he chose Armani because its boutique is near the school.
Wada acknowledged the new uniform would cost more, but considered it worth it.
“I thought Taimei can use the power of the foreign fashion brand to have its identity,” he said.
The Armani uniform, launching this April, is recommended, but not compulsory.
In Japan, where a sense of belonging and conformity are valued, uniforms are worn at most secondary schools and used to be considered durable and thrifty. Prices have jumped in recent years and have become a big initial investment for Japanese parents.
Besides the cost, critics say uniforms are part of rigid school rules that could infringe on diversity and children’s rights.
Government education officials said Friday that school principals are free to set school rules and uniforms, but that in the Taimei case they should have done more to reach a consensus with parents.
“We expect schools to have sufficient discussion with students and their parents, or parent-teacher associations whenever there is a change to ongoing rules,” Koju Matsubayashi, an official with the Education Ministry’s students-pupils department.
The Armani uniform came under attack in parliament Thursday.
“School uniforms are already more expensive than the business suits we wear,” said Manabu Terata, an opposition lawmaker. “But these uniforms at Taimei Elementary School are especially questionable.”
School uniforms tend to be expensive because they come with different school emblems, buttons and other designs.
It’s also a billion dollar market, dominated by a few major manufacturers and competition is lacking, according to a recent Fair Trade Commission report.
Even Finance Minister Taro Aso, a descendant of former aristocrat known for his dandy fashion, called the costs “pricey.”
