A is a traditional tube-sleeved Japanese coat, usually worn only during festivals. typically feature symbols and/or text on the lapels, with a larger design on the back of the coat, typically the name or the festival or the participating association; the kanji for () may also be present. Originally worn to outwardly display of the , or emblem, of a family, were worn by house servants as a uniform. Firefighters also wore coats, with the crest on the back of the coat displaying the group with which they were associated; these were distinct from the () also worn by firefighters, constructed from heavily-quilted cotton layers designed to hold a large quantity of water and thus protect the wearer. In the Edo period, firefighters were paid not only for actual firefighting activity but also for promptness and presence at the scene of a fire. Thus, wearing conspicuous and dancing on intact roofs near fires with was essential for them. In English, the term is most often translated as "happi coat" or "happy coat". are typically blue, with designs in red, black, and white, though variations with a number of different colours are also seen in modern day Japan. Modern coats may be made of cotton or polyester fabrics. References Japanese upper-body garments Japanese words and phrases