A state primary school in Tokyo has asked the Italian fashion house Armani to design the new uniform for its young pupils
The head teacher at Taimei Elementary School stated that he wanted the uniform to show pride in the wealthy district of Ginza where the school is located
Taimei Elementary School provides free education in common with all Japan’s public (state-funded) elementary schools, which 99 per cent of Japanese children attend.
However, parents have complained that they would have to pay more than 80,000 yen (£527) for the haute couture uniform, which includes a tailored blazer, waistcoat and hat.
These complaints have led to questions being raised in the Japanese parliament.
The issue has prompted a furious debate in Japan. An internet commentator joked that while six-year-olds in Ginza are dressed by Armani, the nation’s team at the Winter Olympics in South Korea had to put up with uniforms made by Aoki, which is best known for its cheap suits.
