During 1985 and 1986, the women's uniform was reviewed and the color was changed from dark blue to grayish blue. People's sense of fashion changed considerably after 1985. The Ministry took the view that employee's uniforms presented an image of the Ministry to the public and therefore had a large role to play in enhancing that image. The Ministry gathered a diverse range of opinions and spent a great deal of time considering them. The result was the adoption of a new uniform the fall of 1988.
1988
(Jacket and trousers for employees working outdoors)
The new color and design were aimed at enhancing the Ministry's image and making the uniform comfortable to wear and easy to work in. It was also intended to present a friendly but reliable face to customers. The color of the new uniform was a mix of blue and green and the style was closer to a blazer.
The men's uniform was a blazer-type jacket with three buttons and side vents, a white shirt with blue-green stripes and stand-up collar, a necktie, trousers and rounded regulation cap. For outdoor employees who rode a motorbike, there was also a semi-jet helmet.
The women's uniform was a jacket with two buttons and tailored collar, a blouse, a dark red and dark blue neck ribbon and slacks.
The words used to refer to the jacket and trousers were changed at this time to words derived from English.
 | (Left) Uniforms for superexpress and special delivery employees (1988 to the present) |
| (Right) As at left Midsummer shirt and midsummer trousers (1988 to the present) |
Uniforms for superexpress and special delivery employees
The superexpress mail service started in 1985. A uniform to be worn by delivery personnel was specially designed to give a fresh look to the Ministry. Pads were incorporated at the shoulders and knees to protect employees traveling on motorbike.
 |  |
| Rain jacket Rain trousers (1988 to the present) | Jacket and Helmet for Part-time Employees (1991) |
| Several different types of rain gear were combined in 1988 and a new rain jacket and rain trousers were produced. | In 1991 workers were employed part-time at busy periods such as the New Year. Some of these workers rode motorbikes, so safety jackets and helmets were distributed. |
 |  |
| Neckties, neck ribbons and pocket handkerchiefs Top (1991 to the present) Bottom (1992 to the present) | Midsummer shirt, midsummer blouse, midsummer trousers and necktie (1991) |
In 1991 the French designer Pierre Cardin designed the neckties and neck ribbons and a matching pocket handkerchief was also produced for women employees.
In 1992 two more designs were added and employees were able to choose their own.
