The key word for attire is "professional". The dress code is relatively casual, but we expect that you will always be neat and be aware that you are representing our organization at our Japanese client corporations. You do not need to dress like you are going to work for a bank, but Japan is still a rather formal country when it comes to business attire.

For men, we recommend light weight short-sleeve white shirts (dress shirts) and slacks for summer and for cooler weather, a nice jacket. Colored or patterned shirts are fine, you don't always have to be in white. Neck ties are nice, but not required, especially when it's hot. Having a suit on hand for the occasional wedding or formal event would also be useful.

Women are not required to wear a suit and high heels. Slacks or a skirt and blouse are fine. Note, if you wear anything over an American size 7 or 7 1/2 shoe you will have difficulty finding shoes. 

What won't work? Sorry, no visible body piercings or tattoos*, no t-shirts, Jeans, shorts, flip-flops or tank-tops. (Of course, this all depends on the individual item, some designer T-shirts are elegant, but generally speaking inappropriate for the Japan context.) No bare midriffs, and ladies, modest attire is encouraged. Naturally, if you are teaching kindergarten, dress comfortably enough to be on the floor with your students when necessary.

*Note: the Japanese culture has a traditional bias against tattoos and if you have a tattoo which will be easily seen even while dressed in a professional manner, please be advised: It will need to be covered for all classes.

Last updated on 8月 30, 2010 by Joe Libby