This paper analyzed discourse on women's clothing through articles published between 1930 and 1943 in “Clothing,” magazine published by the Japan Clothing Association, and their historical significance. The main findings are as follows.
1. It was significant that awareness of Japanese and Western dress was raised through discourse on clothing, with Japanese dress regarded as a cultural and traditional asset, while Western dress was portrayed as a universally functional form of clothing.
2. It was significant that there was no aim to reform clothing in a temporary or mandatory way; rather, there was a long-term view of moving toward the creation of a new Japanese style of clothing. The reality of living through the war severed people from their culture and customs, with day-to-day experiences encouraging demands for the development of new things rather than for replication and emulation, leading to debates over suitable attire for Japanese people.
3. It was significant that discussions on women's clothing were conducted in various fields from diverse perspectives. In contrast to a state policy that demanded unification and simplification, arguments and proposals both for and against were developed in the magazine in a multi-layered and versatile way. It could be argued that debates allowing for many viewpoints under the national unity policy became a driving force after the war.
