Taimei Elementary School in the Ginza district of Tokyo held an explanation session for parents Tuesday, with the principal apologizing for creating confusion by deciding to introduce a voluntary student uniform costing up to about 80,000 yen designed by Italian luxury brand Armani, and for causing them anxiety over their children's safety.
According to the Chuo Ward Office, which has authority over the school, 98 parents of current students attended the meeting. They expressed concern through comments such as, "I'm concerned about whether the children will be able to receive their education safely," or "I want the school to care for the children, to get rid of their fear."
After the school announced the introduction of the Armani-designed uniform, a series of incidents in which students were harassed on their way to and from school were reported, such as passersby pinching their uniforms.
The Japanese arm of Armani has requested that the Chuo Ward Board of Education provide explanations to parents anew about their commitment to ensuring students' safety. It also asked for fresh explanations of the introduction of the uniform.
According to the ward office, school principal Toshitsugu Wada told the parents at Tuesday's meeting that "we are continuing to take safety precautions and will also explain the matter to our students at a school assembly."
The school is also providing explanations about the introduction of the uniform to parents of children who will enroll from this spring, during interviews with them.
Security guards on school routes
The board of education has since Monday assigned four guards from a private security company to stand along school routes when students go to school and another four when they return home, it has been learned.
In the wake of the incidents, the board of education dispatched a total of six board officials since Feb. 19 along with teachers from the school to watch over the students on their way to and from school. It decided to dispatch private security guards as it deemed it necessary to take further safety measures, the board said.
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