Before we dive into the main content, please remember that summer in Japan is hot and humid. If you will arrive in July or August, please pack lightweight, breathable clothes to help you manage the heat.
In addition, as of 2020, it is highly encouraged (read: mandatory) to wear a mask and/or faceshield in the workplace at all times except when you are eating or drinking. You can purchase many types of mask readily in Japan.
For your first few weeks at your new job, prepare to dress formally (business suit and tie, dress suit, formal shoes). During this time, observe what your co-workers wear to work, and adjust your work attire accordingly. Your outfits at Tokyo Orientation, Fukuoka JET Orientation, and at ALT Meetings should follow the same formal pattern as those of your first few weeks in Japan.
If you are arriving in summer, you may wear short-sleeve dress shirts or blouses. You should bring a suit jacket with you in case of ceremonies and other events, but you will not be required to wear it all day.
In fact, Japan has designated “Cool Biz” and “Warm Biz” periods, during which your work clothing choices are permitted to change. During the “Cool Biz” summer months (June to October), you are allowed to wear short-sleeved shirts, you do not need to wear a jacket, and men do not need to wear neckties. If your office/school is particularly lenient, men may be allowed to wear chinos and polo shirts, but please make this judgement after your first few weeks of observing your coworkers.
These are some examples of styles that are considered “Cool Biz” for those hot months when you first arrive:
During the cooler “Warm Biz” months (November to May), you (particularly men) are expected to wear long-sleeved shirts and a suit jacket. Men must also wear a necktie. Women should wear long sleeves and/or a sweater/cardigan, but may not necessarily need to wear a suit all year round. Again, observe your coworkers to better understand your office’s customs.
In addition to your clothes, it is important to remember your shoes. Most schools and many other workplaces will require you to change into ‘indoor shoes’ when you enter the building. These shoes should only be worn inside the workplace, or on the grounds of the workplace. These may be formal shoes, clean sports shoes, or even Crocs! We advise you to aim for shoes that are quick and easy to change into, as you may be changing shoes at least twice a day.
If you do not bring indoor shoes with you, you may be able to borrow guest slippers from your workplace until you have acquired some. Schools may also request another, separate pair of sports shoes for use in the school gym (or you can enter in just your socks). If you plan to join a sports club, it would be worth having these gym shoes as well.
If you would like to make changes to your work wardrobe, there are plenty of shops to do just that! For inexpensive options, you could try shops such as Uniqlo, H&M, Shimamura, Avail, and more. For higher quality, you could try shops such as AOKI and Aoyama.
If you are looking for more direction, here are some clothing features you should avoid:
- Bold printed designs (especially with vulgar or obscene language)
- Jeans
- Low-cut or strapless blouses that may expose cleavage
- Tightly-fitted, spaghetti strapped, and/or sleeveless tops
- Skirts above knee-length
- Shorts
- Scarves (except headscarfs for religious purposes)
- Open-toed sandals, flipflops (aka slippers, jandals, or thongs) or high-heeled sandals
In addition, things which are generally not well-received:
- Excessive jewelry
- Piercings (other than one small piercing on each ear lobe)
- Visible tattoos
To combat these points:
- Wear small, unobstrusive jewelry
- Find clear or nude-colored earring plugs if you are concerned about piercings closing
- Bring close-toed shoes and keep a pair at your workplace to use daily
- Wear clothing that sufficiently covers visible tattoos, such as long-sleeved undershirts, or leggings (great time to utilize AIRism or Heat-tech clothing to cover skin while adjusting to the changing seasons)
The line between casual and business casual is thin, and may differ greatly from your home country. Dressing appropriately is an important part of Japanese culture, and you may find that the standard of dress is more conservative than you are used to. Learning these unspoken rules is one of the many joys and challenges of integrating into a new culture.