Track Suit

Let’s talk a bit about the infamous Japanese track suit.  Nevermind all the other stuff I’ve been doing within the last week (orientation in the big city of Aomori, making new friends, traveling around the ken, first day of official class today), what I really want to discuss are track suits.  For those of you who might not have realized, the track suit is still alive and well in Japan.   And glory.

In fact, it is equally interchangeable with business casual dress in the school system.  Many teachers, when not wearing nice work clothes, can be found in the equivalent of ‘comfy pants’ and a jacket.   This is not necessarily a trend only for the elite Sensei, however.  It seems to be a widespread one.  The students, when not in formal uniform, can all be found in formless navy sweat suits made out of some material that appears to not be too breathable.  Furthermore, I even visited a sporting goods store this weekend, the size of your average large Sports Authority or Dick’s.  Just imagine a store of this size, with such intense overhead lighting, at least 3/4 full of track suits!  Every possible track suit maker you can think of – Adidas, Umbro, Reebok, Nike, and all the ones you probably can’t name, too, in every size, color, and price, ranging from $30 for a set, to $250.  Apparently, when the track suit market crashed in the 90s in America, Japan’s demand nearly exceeded the supply.

Not even a third of the selection

Not one to miss out on such a fantastic excuse to not wear dress clothes, I am now the official owner of a Nike “Dri-fit” turquoise jacket and navy pants set.  Maybe not hardcore enough to go with a full one-color piece, you’ll notice the stripe in my pants accurately matches the color of my jacket.  See below, and you’ll also realize this is pretty much the only pose and face one can strike when wearing matching sports gear.

Update: Just found out that next Friday and Saturday my school is having their bi-annual Sports Day, so I now have an excuse to wear my track suit, without risking showing up to school one day when everyone else is wearing suit and tie.

Don't let the angle fool you - this is Nike all the way baby