HANTEN Kimono - Wooden Industry Work Jacket

This traditional Japanese worker’s jacket (happi coat) represents the identity and pride of a wood company in Japan. Worn by employees as both practical workwear and a symbol of solidarity, happi coats like this one exemplify the blend of utility and cultural expression in Japanese craftsmanship.

Exterior: Made from durable black cotton, the jacket is boldly stenciled with white kanji inscriptions running vertically down the lapels: 水啓木𣏾株式会社 (“Suikei Kiboku Co., Ltd.”). This inscription directly identifies the company and its trade in wood.

Back Motif: The reverse showcases a large, striking white crest with the character 氷 stylized under a roof form. While visually symbolic, such crests often served as a bold identifier of the company or guild, making workers recognizable during daily duties or public events.

Construction: Featuring straight sleeves, reinforced seams, and an open front, the happi was designed for ease of movement and durability, supporting both labor-intensive work and group presentation.

In the early to mid-20th century, happi coats were standard uniforms for tradespeople, merchants, and festival groups. For companies, they were not only work garments but also a visual emblem of unity, reputation, and trust.

This particular jacket, with its wood company inscription, reflects the importance of timber and lumber trades in Japan’s economy. Workers wearing this happi would have been instantly identifiable as part of Suikei Kiboku Co., Ltd., projecting both professionalism and pride in their craft.

Features

• Type: Worker’s Jacket (Happi)

• Material: Handwoven cotton, stenciled designs

• Color: Black base with white lettering and crest

• Design Elements: Company name 水啓木𣏾株式会社, bold crest on back

• Era: Early to mid-20th century

• Condition: Vintage, with signs of age and character consistent with use