Japan Airlines’ Uniforms Hit Fetishism Black Market

Massive post-bankruptcy layoffs at Japan Airlines (JAL) have created some unexpected consequences for the already shamed company. JAL’s traditional (and somewhat conservative) stewardess outfits have historically been in high demand in Japan’s black market. An authentic JAL stewardess outfit rarely makes its way on the market, but when it does individuals and high-end costume shops that cater to sexual fetishism and roll playing will pay a small fortune for the uniform.

Image: Clipper Monsoon

In previous years it has been almost impossible for interested parties to get their hands on an actual Japanese Airlines outfit because JAL, who is aware of the subversive sexual appeal of their uniforms, has done everything in their power to keep the outfits off the black market. A spokesperson for JAL has said that it is, “virtually impossible for an individual to hold on to their uniform after they have left their job”. The company has even gone so far as to install serial numbers into every item of clothing it distributes to keep careful records of the locations of every item of clothing and who is responsible for it around the world.

But now that so many JAL workers have been layed off, the airline is concerned about their uniforms flooding the market.  Yu Teramoto, the owner of a specialty costume shop in Tokyo, agrees there is a strong possibility JAL workers will look to sell their prized uniforms to make some money after being fired, “It is hard to say but it is at moments of confusion and anger like this that the black market for uniforms should do well,” he said.

And although JAL has publicly said they don’t think it’s possible for scorned JAL workers to leave with their uniforms, a few years ago the airlines were the highest bidder for their stewardess outfit that had been stolen and appeared on an internet auction. JAL reportedly paid £1,500 to keep their own uniform off the market.