In 1921, American missionary, Elizabeth Lee, was working as the headmistress of Fukuoka Jogakuin High School for Girls (now also a university). A big sports fan, Lee was constantly under pressure from parents to find a way to prevent kimono damage on the tennis courts.

With the help of a local tailor, she put together a simple uniform that borrowed from the boyish fashion trends sweeping the US, and – hey presto! – one of Japan’s most enduring images was born. The original design is used at the school to this day.

Fukuoka Jogakuin University and High School can be found in Osa, Minami-Ku, and is approximately 20 minutes from Tenjin by train or bus

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