What do you think of the work overalls that Prime Minister Naoto Kan, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano, State Minister for Consumer Affairs and Food Safety Renho and other cabinet ministers wear wh

Question to those who think the uniforms look silly and haven't stated what they should be wearing: What would you rather have them wear?

These Bolier Suits that they wear every day are a laughing stock. Totally meaningless and ridiculous-looking in the 21st Century, AD. I have no idea why they wear these clown uniforms. It makes them look inept, more like toilet cleaners than members of the Government. Are they trying to look like members of the Chinese Communist Party, or what?

While I think it was a good thing in the first days after the earthquake to convey, as stated above, the seriousness of the disaster, it is getting more and more laughable: Kan did only one short fly-over of the area anyway, and at the diet its now some people (the opposition party?) in usual suit and tie attire, and some people in their boiler suits!

They look silly & its a waste of my taxes, I bet there is a stashes of these & various other uniforms all over the country, there will be many companies & amakudari types who have made a ton of $$ over the years making replacements every couple years.

Reminds me of a chanko nabe place I used to go to years ago, we talked about setting up a baseball/softball team for fun, next time I showed up they wanted Y40,000 from me for the uniform.......

For those that actually need these type of garments fine, but the politicians look like a bunch of ditch diggers! At least ditch diggers do something useful.

I worry about what the politicians are doing and frankly could not care less what their wearing! I suppose better wearing something than doing nothing!

Agree with Taj and Cleo. They would look dumber wearing a suit and necktie talking about Miyagi right now.

I bet those uniforms are lead-lined, so the higher-ups don't get radiation dose above acceptable level. Make them prove that those uniforms don't give an advantage, otherwise supply same to all the rank and file people who are working in hazardous areas!

"A commonly used piece of propaganda that attempts to fool the less intellegent viewers that the politicians have some sort of affinity with the working class."

Not a single person in Japan thinks that. Not one.

With life beginning to get back to normal for those directly untouched by the disaster, the posts here are getting back to their normal whiney bickering. Ah, can’t beat freedom of speach.

They look like fools. This is not the time for cosplay! Might as well dress up as Ultraman, Gundam or Sailormoon to save the day!

They even wear them at diet. It doesn't look serious. If they were at the power plant or somewhere in Tohoku, then it would be ok; in Tokyo, strange.

totally hot. would look better with a red bandana and one of those wallet chains coming out of the pocket though.

Japanese people love uniforms, it gives them a sense of unity. And they need unity in these times more than ever. Even if it is just for a show, it actually helps some people to feel a litle bit safe.

The cabinet's disaster management uniform looks almost identical to Tepco uniforms, both in shape and color.

Definitely a proof that they are in each other's pockets.

Keeps down dry cleaning costs...

I personally don't really care what they wear. But, it no doubt saves them (esp the women) having to worry about what to wear, and if they had to choose, you would probably get people bashing them for their choice of clothes. So, It's probably a good idea.

Let's just get this mess fixed up.

A commonly used piece of propaganda that attempts to fool the less intellegent viewers that the politicians have some sort of affinity with the working class.

Can't see why they would even consider trying to pull that in Japan, since even with the recession in full swing the vast majority of the population still consider themselves to be middle-class. It's a major mistake to assume that what works in American politics will also work in Japanese politics. (eg A Japanese PM strutting about in military fatigues on a warship would not go down well here at all.)

A commonly used piece of propaganda that attempts to fool the less intellegent viewers that the politicians have some sort of affinity with the working class. This is the same stunt Bush pulled when he showed up on the aircraft carrier in army fatigues. Can't blame them for doing this though, because unfortunately it is a subtle trick that does work on people that don't actually consider and debate the trickery they have been subjected to...

I fail to see why they are wearing them. How much damage was in Nagatacho? Does really give them a sense of duty? That is just ridiculous!

I read the question out loud and it sounded very interesting verbally and I will ask direct to japanese staff with feedback....:S

They are silly but pander to Japanese love of a uniform and their need to show that they are in this with the workers....... I am worried that they don't also wear their helmets as Japanese protocol and elf and safety would dictate.

White shirts, which require extensive laundry attention and are easily spoiled, are a sign of wealth and prestige.

No, they are a sign of business as usual. Nothing says calm like routine. Bureaucrats do not need to be dressed as technicians to make people feel "at one" with them.

Rather , they ought to get on the air more often in whatever clothes, and speak plainly to the people!

As for my highly formed opinion, you are quite welcome...

If the 'uniform' constantly reminds the wearers that they have a very important, urgent job to attend to - it isn't 'business as usual' - then I think it's a Good Thing.

"their new "uniform" is stoo-pid."

Well, thank you for your highly formed opinion, Pamelot. I, however, disagree. White shirts, which require extensive laundry attention and are easily spoiled, are a sign of wealth & prestige. Neckties, also a silly bit of foppery, that should never have made it into Asia and certainly should be laughed off in any country where daytime temperatures are frequently in the 30s. Just not environmentally sound.

The work jumpsuits that the pollies are wearing show: 1) we realized the gravity of the situation. 2) this is not business as usual. 3) we are one with you.

Now, as for the powder blue colour - well that wouldn't have been my first choice.

With those work overalls I find it hard at times to distinguish between government workers and Tepco.

Makes more sense than a white shirt and necktie.

They are trying to do their best in this situation. They could have accepted the foreign aid much sooner, the medics from Israel only got to work yesterday. Edano is really showing a lot of calmness in his speeches, my J-hubby says it is just a performance, but even if it is so, I respect him. Kan is a lot more nervous. A lot more preparation must be done in the future though. In my town there is not one evacuation place sign which is fine for me because I live here and I know where it is but for all the people driving through or coming on a vacation, it would be impossible to find that place. Every town should have a rescue team.

It is quite amusing to see these guys in work clothes on TV, I never realized TV was so dirty!

I don't think the colors are that good for spring, I would like a little more pink.

If this question has to be asked, couuld we change "work overalls" to "boiler suits"?

The overalls are appropriate, makes eveyone watching in Japan realize the severity of the situation

Are you joking?

Unless they are in the trenches with the other nuclear plant workers, their new "uniform" is stoo-pid.

But I suppose shiny fabric business suits would look too much like they were busy being bureaucrats...

We all know they aren't working in the trenches, so why the overalls? But then again like BosoBoss, I am from "overseas" so what do I know. Perhaps it works with the locals.

I assume the overalls are meant to give the public the impression that the PM and his ministers are hard at work, getting their hands dirty, so to speak.

Kan and Edano should auction them.

The overalls are appropriate, makes eveyone watching in Japan realise the severity of the situation, who cares what people overseas think. Back in Christchurch, the Prime Minister and the Mayor also wore bright orange jackets (just as bad looking as overalls). 3 weeks after the quake, the PM auctioned his, money went to quake fund. Kan should do the same, auction it internationally, would bring in a lot of money.