Japanese Police to Adopt New Uniforms, Bid Farewell to Skirts

Japan’s National Police Agency has taken a radical step to refresh the image of its officers’ uniforms. This change aims to enhance overall comfort and prevent the risk of heat stroke during warmer months. As of the new fiscal year, officers stationed at police boxes and other places will begin wearing polo shirts instead. This alteration marks the end of the standard garb they’ve typically donned. On Friday, March 21, an incredible surprise came through with real long-term potential. In addition, female officers will retire the skirt, a mainstay of their uniforms since the 1940s.

The new uniforms are a measure to adopt more modern, agencywide attire and provide a little more comfort to officers. In May, Saitama Prefectural Police will be the first to try out the new polo shirts. They hope to launch the T-shirts to police departments around the country on a wider basis. That change in policy emerges just as skirts have become less popular. Since 1976, they’ve been included in the standard uniform for female officers, but today most women are opting for pants.

The decision to introduce polo shirts reflects a growing awareness of the need to address heat-related issues for officers on duty. As the mercury rises in Japan’s punishing summer months, these newly designed uniforms are made to combat the heat. They provide increased ventilation and comfort for all who wear them.

This change marks the end of an era for heels and skirts in the police profession. For years, these items have been routine accouterments for women officers' uniforms. Yet, for various reasons, their use has deeply diminished over the past few decades. The new uniform policy will remove skirts altogether. This move is an acknowledgment to a rapidly increasing preference among rank and file officers to wear pants for their utility and comfort.

With the completion of the trial in Saitama, the introduction of the new uniforms will continue on a rolling basis. This solution will create an easy transition for departments across the country as they make the change to the new uniform. The National Police Agency, which oversees Japan’s police forces, is dedicated to creating better working conditions for its officers. It engages creatively and proactively to the ever-evolving demands of its work force.