A BRIT visiting Japan has found a rather surprising item of clothing in a charity shop – a Royal Mail uniform jacket.
Stumbling upon the jacket in the random shop in the city of Sendai, they sent a snap to a pal who posted the find online on Friday.
With the jacket costing over £50, social media users have been left debating whether it is a bargain or not.
Brits who have travelled and lived in Japan have also shared their encounters with Japanese people wearing British work uniforms – with one even claiming to have seen a local sporting a Tesco jacket on the train.
The waterproof Royal Mail jacket can be seen hanging on a rail surrounded by striped and checked tops that don’t look as exciting in comparison.
The top half is fluorescent orange, with the Royal Mail badge on one side and a plastic loop on the other, usually for attaching a torch.
The bottom half of the jacket is black, with two fluorescent stripes across the front.
It appears to have a hood and a lining and fastens with a zip and black studs.
Royal Mail employees have speculated it would have been part of the uniform in the late 1990s or early 2000s.
The charity shop’s label simply marks it as a “work jacket” costing 9,800 yen, which is equivalent to £50.52, although some claim it would be closer to £60 with tax added on.
The bizarre find was shared to social media on Friday with the caption: “My mate found a Royal Mail jacket in a charity shop in Sendai, Japan.”
It has since received over 2,100 likes and more than 60 comments from Brits sharing their reactions.
One wrote: “Closer to £60 as the tax isn’t added on, which makes it around 10,780 yen.
“I mean, if you are a fanatic of Royal Mail, then sure, I suppose. It’s something I would expect to see someone wear in Japan randomly.”
Another replied: “Japanese are quite into [the] Royal Family. They may potentially think quite highly of it.”
A third said: “I’ve still kept one of those in reserve, it’s like wearing an oven though, great for the depths of winter.
“I’m still using the one we got before that, lighter weight and good enough for the everyday drizzle.
“I’d not pay £50 for it. But I’d fork out a bit for some short sleeve blue shirts. Hit me up if he finds any.”
A fourth commented: “Lived in Japan for three years and saw both a fella sporting a Royal Mail postbag out in Kawasaki, and then about a year later, some guy in a Tesco jacket sitting on the Yokohama line.
“I don’t get it at all, but it sure gives me a chuckle to see these people out and about.”
Another added: “It’s considered streetwear over there. Not the first time I’ve seen it.”
Another joked: “Now I’m imagining a person who thinks Royal Mail is some niche designer brand.”
