Business Dress Code in Japan

Appearance is vitally important in Japan and people are often judged on the way they are dressed.

The business convention of dark suit, shirt and tie is very much the norm in Japanese mainstream business and although other colours are seen more often nowadays than in the past, it is probably safest to maintain a conservative approach.

For women, business dress should be restrained and formal – women do not commonly wear trousers in business in Japan. Accessories should be upmarket but not ostentatious.
Bear in mind that the climate in Japan is very varied through the seasons, so take appropriate wear for the season – overcoats/raincoats may be needed in the winter.

Author

This country-specific business culture profile was written by Keith Warburton who is the founder of the cultural awareness training consultancy Global Business Culture. 

Global Business culture is a leading training provider in the fields of cross-cultural communication and global virtual team working.  We provide training to global corporations in live classroom-based formats, through webinars and also through our cultural awareness digital learning hub, Global Business Compass.

This World Business Culture profile is designed as an introduction to business culture in Japan only and a more detailed understanding needs a more in-depth exploration which we can provide through our training and consultancy services.