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".

For the upcoming film, see Happi (film).

Not to be confused with Happy.

Women at a festival wearing a happi

Edward, Prince of Wales (centre), later Edward VIII of the United Kingdom, wearing a happi

The color of Happi is normally and significantly in blue companion with red, black and white. Through, in the recent days, this style of Japan' s outfit appears in all color such as the rainbow designs which carry increasingly from the famous culture like manga and anime.

The younger or the cosplay generation who often wear polyester happy because it tend to less expensive rather than the traditional one particularly the cotton happi.

There are symbols printed on the lapels or heri at the back of the happi coat with regard to the name of the festival or the participating association. Often the traditional kanji for matsuri appears on the back.

References

1. 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."