It may pay to think about how you dress when you work in a Japanese environment

In Japan, business attire is typically quite formal, as seen in the attached picture I took on my daily commute some years ago that I’ve titled “Tokyo Dandy.” Men often wear dark suits, white shirts, and ties, while women choose tailored suits or dresses in muted colors. This formality shows respect and professionalism.

Since moving to the US, I’ve noticed a trend towards more casual dress, especially in tech and creative industries on the West Coast. While finance and law still require formal suits, many companies embrace "business casual," allowing slacks and collared shirts, giving employees more room to express their style.

Footwear also differs significantly. In Japan, shoes are usually polished and formal. In the US, there’s more flexibility, including stylish sneakers in casual settings. I’ve even seen people show up to work in slippers here in California, though I wouldn’t recommend that outside of high tech!

In Japan, how you dress reflects your commitment to the company. Uniforms are common, promoting a sense of unity. In contrast, US workplaces celebrate individual expression, resulting in a wider variety of clothing styles.

Why does this matter? If you work with traditional Japanese colleagues, they might feel uncomfortable if you arrive in shorts and slippers or a tank top. You could be perceived as less hardworking than a colleague dressed to the nines.

I always adjust my attire when meeting Japanese clients compared to American ones. It’s a subtle change, but it makes a difference in how (I think) they perceive me. Is this compromising, does it stifle my own expression?

Actually I don’t think so, I prefer to think of it as dressing for the occasion. What do you think?

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https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2025/06/02/japan/society/japan-youth-employment-workplace/