Link to original video by Asianalysis with AL & HELEN

The Rise & (Much Deserved) Fall of Japan's "Buruma" Uniforms

Short Summary:

This video explores the history of the "buruma" uniform, a type of gym shorts worn by female students in Japan. The video traces its evolution from a comfortable alternative to traditional skirts to a controversial garment associated with fetishization and exploitation. The buruma's popularity peaked during the 1960s and 70s, fueled by the success of the Japanese women's volleyball team and the admiration for Eastern European gymnasts. However, the garment's revealing design and its association with a growing fetish culture led to its eventual ban from Japanese schools in 1992.

Detailed Summary:

Section 1: Introduction & Origins

The video begins by introducing the "buruma" uniform and its presence in Japanese animation.
It explains the origin of the term "buruma" from the English word "bloomer," a type of comfortable pants popularized in the 19th century.
The first "bloomers" were introduced to Japan in 1903 by a physical educator who brought them back from the United States.

Section 2: Transformation of the Buruma

The video discusses how the original "bloomers" evolved into the shorter, tighter "buruma" worn in Japanese schools.
The 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where the Japanese women's volleyball team won gold, played a significant role in popularizing the shorter gym shorts.
The influence of Eastern European gymnasts, particularly Nadia Comăneci, further shaped the design of the "buruma" in the 1970s.

Section 3: Controversy and Exploitation

The video highlights the discomfort and objectification experienced by female students wearing the "buruma."
It cites a blog post by a former student who describes the "buruma" as being like wearing underwear in PE class.
The video discusses the emergence of a fetish culture surrounding the "buruma," with men taking photos of female students in the uniform and selling them as photo books.

Section 4: The Ban and Legacy

The video describes the student protests and media attention that led to the "buruma" being officially banned from Japanese schools in 1992.
It discusses the rise of a second-hand market for "buruma" uniforms, which eventually became dominated by men seeking to fulfill their fetishes.
The video attributes the fetish culture partly to the "bubble period" of the 1980s, when Japanese anime and manga experienced a surge in popularity, often featuring female characters wearing "buruma."

Conclusion:

The video concludes by emphasizing the lasting impact of the "buruma" on Japanese popular culture, despite its ban.
It acknowledges the controversial legacy of the garment and its association with a problematic side of Japanese society.
The video encourages viewers to reflect on the history of the "buruma" and its implications for gender and objectification.