Business Dress Etiquette in Japan

“Elegance is refusal.” – Coco Chanel

Hi, my name is Taisei Koshida, and I am a certified public accountant and tax accountant.

I aim to assist non-Japanese business owners who struggle with reading or writing in Japanese. If you find the Japanese tax return system challenging, I can help you with your tax filings.

If you are unclear about business dress etiquette in Japan, you might find this blog helpful.

The Suit Is The Standard

Generally, it’s customary for both men and women to wear suits, with men adding a tie. However, due to the intense heat of Japanese summers, many men opt not to wear a tie.

Flexibility Depending on The Industry

In younger industries like Information Technology and the fashion industry, it’s not uncommon to see people foregoing suits. Many people even wear T-shirts. That said, it’s advisable to always have a jacket on hand.

Conversely, in more traditional industries such as finance, it’s still standard in many workplaces to wear suits and ties.

Personally, I wear a T-shirt in the summer, a long-sleeve shirt in the winter, and always carry a jacket.

Recent Trends

Additionally, there has been a growing trend towards more relaxed dress codes recently, with many workplaces allowing employees not to wear ties throughout the year and even wear jeans. However, attire with excessive skin exposure, such as shorts and sandals, is generally not acceptable in most offices.

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