The ‘hapi’ coat is part of the formal dress worn by the people of Hakata when they take part in ceremonial occasions during the Yamakasa period (July 1st – July 15th). The hapi is often paired with “seta” or “geta,” worn on the feet, and is even permitted to be worn at formal functions at first class hotels. There are two types of hapi: a “mizu-hapi” (water hapi), that has been weaved with the ‘Kurume-kasari’ design, worn when carrying the yamakasa floats; and a “naga-hapi” (long hapi), that’s worn at special occasions like weddings, etc. (Just for a bit of additional information,) there’s also a traditional celebratory song that Hakata people who wear hapi at weddings sing called “iwai medeta.”
There are many different types of hapi because they differ from each ‘nagare’ and district. You will even sometimes see hapi inscribed with names of towns and areas that no longer exist.

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