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A Cut Above

Taimei Elementary School in Tokyo, Japan’s, Ginza shopping district has chosen its new uniforms for its students. Principal Toshitsugu Wada noted he chose a store near the school — awfully convenient for parents that way. So what was nearby? Armani: the public school’s uniforms cost more than 80,000 yen (US$730), which is double the cost of the previous uniform set. Wada brushes off criticism about the pricey choice. “I thought Taimei can use the power of the foreign fashion brand for its identity,” he said, and it is fitting for “a school of Ginza.” Manabu Terata, a member of the Diet’s House of Representatives, was shocked. “School uniforms are already more expensive than the business suits we wear,” he said. “But these uniforms at Taimei Elementary are especially questionable.” (RC/AP) ...Thankfully, the Prada shoes are optional.