Ceremony Suits

What Do Parents Wear For The Entrance Ceremony in Japan?

Last spring my daughter graduated preschool and move onto elementary school, both events have important ceremonies attached. You may have noticed that ceremony suits have started appearing in the stores at this time of year.

Should I Buy A Ceremony Suit For Entrance and Graduation Ceremonies?

These multi piece sets include the dark usually black suit for graduation and the lighter skirt and jacket combo for the entrance ceremony. At the entrance ceremony mothers wear pearls and a corsage, the corsage is usually artificial and not fresh flowers. 

What Do Parents Wear For The Graduation Ceremony In Japan?

The temperature here in northern Kyoto seems to take a big rise in April. The graduation ceremony can be cold and some parents bring a blanket to put across their knees. Then a few weeks later for the entrance ceremony the temperature can have taken a big leap and it feels too hot for suit jackets. 

What Do Mothers Wear For The School Entrance Ceremony in Japan?

Quite a few mothers wear kimono, father's wear a suit and tie. This is one of those things that I spent a fair bit of time worrying about when my daughter entered preschool which turned out not to be a big issue. As long as you look smart it will be fine, think office wear.

The Ceremony Suit Is Like A Capsule Wardrobe For School Events

I saw this Instagram post recently of ways to style your 5 piece ceremony suit. Switching out the jackets can change the look completely. Graduation has a more somber, formal tone with dark colours and the entrance ceremony has a lighter colour pallet.

What Shoes Should I Wear For Nursery School Graduation in Japan?

Another point is footwear, at all the ceremonies I have been to we had to remove our footwear to go into the school building. You can take a plastic bag to put your outdoor shoes in and the schools usually have slippers for you to wear. Many people take their own slippers, if you are going to be in Japan for any length of time, these indoor slipper sets are worth buying. I bought this indoor slipper set which comes with a bag to put your outdoor shoes in and some fold up black slippers to wear in the school building. It has been really useful for many school events.

As a British person, I love the pomp and ceremony of these events. It reminds me of royal and regal events. Students practice the bows many times before the graduation day. They can be emotional too as the students sing out the school song and the headteacher talks about how much they've grown. Pack the tissues!