HANTEN Firefighter's Kimono Jacket from Kiyosumi Festival

This bold and historically rich vintage hanten jacket hails from the Kiyosumi Festival, a traditional Japanese event where garments like this served as both uniform and symbol of pride. Often worn by fire brigades and community groups during matsuri (festivals), hanten coats like this one were designed for high visibility, group identity, and cultural expression.

Crafted from sturdy black cotton, the jacket features vivid red and white shoulder stripes extending across the back, symbolic of energy and protection. The front panels are decorated with vertical rows of bold white kanji, representing the wearer’s association, while the back boasts an eye-catching large red kanji crest framed in white — a traditional emblem that would be recognized instantly in the festive crowd.

The horizontal white bands near the hem further enhance its graphic impact, a hallmark of mid-20th-century Japanese happi design. This combination of strong colors, striking typography, and symbolic placement reflects the aesthetics and spirit of the Kiyosumi Festival’s fire brigades.

Details:

Type: Fireman’s Festival Happi Jacket
Event: Kiyosumi Festival (清庵纏會)
Material: 100% cotton
Base Color: Black with vivid red and white accents
Design Features: Shoulder stripes, front kanji lettering, large back crest
Era: Mid-20th century (estimated)
Origin: Japan
Condition: Vintage – good overall with light age marks consistent with festival use