Happi Pup

We loved dressing Pierre up in costumes, jackets, sweaters, or anything else made for little pups. Pierre…was a good sport about it.

samurai Pierre — Not sure if it was intended as a headband, looks great

One of our friends joined the Airforce. He was stationed in Japan for a few years. During that time, it was hard to talk – this was before iPhones, WhatsApp, and before most people had heard of Facebook. On the few occasions when he was able to return, he always brought fun souvenirs. On one of those occasions, he brought puppy clothes for Pierre.

Pierre’s fancy outfit is a traditional Japanese coat known as Happi. It’s a coat worn during festivals. The origins seem to be a little uncertain, with some sources saying it originated during the Japanese Edo period (1603 to 1867), where others suggest that it is a much newer tradition.

Modern Happi are often blue, such as the one Pierre is wearing, red, black, or white. On the back, it is typical to have the kanji for matsuri (祭 festival).

Pierre didn’t wear his Happi Coat very often, but he sure looked cute when he did. You can see more pictures in the portfolio.