Happi

Women in Happi on a Matsuri

A happi ( Japanese 法 被 or 半 被 ) is a traditional Japanese jacket , usually made of indigo blue or brown cotton, and traditionally printed with a mon . This tradition stems from the fact that Happi used to be worn by valets. Today it is also common practice to display the badges of businesses and organizations on a Happi. Happi is now also available in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

A variation of the Happi is the Hanten ( 半天 ). The handball is padded and was carried in the houses in winter, as they were poorly insulated, or by fire fighters from the Edo period , as it was soaked in water and offered protection from flames.