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 Do Japanese People Change Clothes All at Once? The Secret of "Koromogae"

May is almost over, and Japan is heading into its hot and humid summer.

While the exact dates can vary, many schools and companies observe a tradition called Koromogae (seasonal change of clothing), where everyone switches their attire all at once on June 1st. I believe this is a unique cultural trait born from Japan's hot, humid climate and its distinct four seasons.

Rather than relying on the daily temperature, middle and high school students, as well as police officers across the country, all switch to their summer uniforms based simply on the calendar date of June 1st. It is a fascinating characteristic shaped by the Japanese environment, though expats and visitors might find it a bit surprising at first!

In my family, too, my son who goes to kindergarten has switched to his summer uniform and no longer wears his jacket. While feeling these subtle seasonal changes, I couldn't help but think how cute he looks in his little short-sleeved shirt.

Since there are countries that are hot all year round and others that are cold for most of the year, I imagine this kind of wardrobe switch doesn't exist everywhere.

Do you have any unique seasonal routines or traditions in your home country?