Happi Coats

A happi is a traditional Japanese robe, similar to a cardigan, made of an indigo, blue, or brown cotton with the family crest or mon printed on the back. The are usually only worn at festivals or other special events when appropriate. During a festival in the summer, it isn't uncommon to see hundreds of people wearing happi coats while celebrating. While the happi originally featured family crests or mons, over time the coats began to display the logos and crests of shops or organizations. If there events sponsored by a Japanese company, it wouldn't be a surprise to see many of the employees wearing a happi coat with their company's logo on the back. The practice is done by many Japanese companies operating both in and out of Japan. When translating happi into English, many refer to them simply as happy coats.