Chiseian school uniform

The Chiseian school uniform (Chiseian Yashiman: 制服 Seifuhu or 子軍服 Kwokunpuhu) is the outfit worn by schoolchildren in Chisei. It is modeled on Chiseian military uniform and was first used in the 19th century, replacing the traditional koromo. Almost all Chiseian schools up to high school level require students to wear uniform, and certain prestigious higher education establishments focused on entry into the civil service or military, such as the Kyūgakkō, also have uniforms, reflecting the use of uniforms in the Royal Civil Service.

History
In 1835, the Heavenly Assembly passed the Unification of Standards Act, which among other measures aimed at civil service reform introduced new, militaristic uniforms for all public servants; the Royal Family also took to wearing such uniforms, including miniature versions for the children. As a result, a trend began to appear among upper and middle-class families. In 1851, Yomeimon Royal City High School, introduced a uniform for it's students based on the one recently introduced in the Eito Kyūgakkō for students aiming to take the Royal Civil Service Exams. It proved very popular, and nearby schools quickly adopted their own standard uniforms. By 1890 the Kogunpuku had become the dominant design for school uniform.

Uniform
The uniforms have gone essentially unchanged since the early 20th century. They are normally black or navy blue, with coloured trims. The top has a standing collar buttoning from top-to-bottom, or sometimes across, to make room for an with the insignia of the school. A vest is typically worn under the top, but is not considered part of the standard uniform. Trousers are straight leg and a dark or black belt (usually supplied by the student) is worn with them. When outside or moving between classrooms, a is worn, sometimes alongside a cloak, capelet or long coat. Many schools have seperate winter and summer uniforms.

Male and female uniforms are typically very similar or identical in design, and there is typically minimal variation between schools overall, though in the last few decades schools have introduced new elements, such as allowing skirts, Ordan-style blazers, and sweaters.

Cultural Significance
The Kwokunpuhu, given it's widespread nature, is a nostalgic symbol to most adult Chiseians, associated with a carefree youth. In addition, despite authorities attempting to prevent it, the uniforms are frequently modified by students to express individuality; by rolling up sleeves, adorning caps with pins, lengthening or shortening the cloak, etc. In the past, colorful and slogan-adorned versions of the uniforms have been adopted by the Rinjin and Suwanji subcultures.