Dressing for Business Meetings in Tokyo
Stick to a conservative, dark-colored suit with a white shirt and muted tie. Tokyo business culture is formal and prefers uniformity, so avoid bold patterns, bright colors, or overly casual attire even in summer months.
- Select the right suit. Bring a navy or charcoal grey wool suit. Avoid black, which is often reserved for funerals, or light grey, which is seen as too casual. Ensure the fit is tailored; loose or baggy clothing is viewed as unprofessional.
- Choose your shirt and tie. Wear a crisp, ironed white dress shirt. Pair it with a high-quality silk tie in a solid color or a very subtle, conservative pattern. Avoid loud designs or novelty ties.
- Focus on footwear. Wear black, polished leather lace-up oxfords. You will be taking your shoes off when entering traditional meeting spaces or restaurants, so ensure your socks are clean, hole-free, and dark in color (black or navy).
- Grooming and accessories. Keep jewelry to a minimum—a simple watch is sufficient. Ensure your hair is neat and your facial hair is cleanly shaven or perfectly groomed. Japanese corporate standards value a clean-cut appearance.
- Can I wear a short-sleeved shirt in the summer?
- Even during the 'Cool Biz' period, it is safer to wear a long-sleeved shirt. If it is extremely hot, ensure your jacket is high quality so you can put it on immediately upon entering the client's office.
- Is a tie absolutely mandatory?
- Yes. Unless you are specifically told it is a 'casual' meeting, wearing a tie is the standard for professional business in Japan.
- What if I have tattoos?
- Tattoos are still associated with criminal elements in Japan. Ensure your shirt sleeves and trousers fully cover any ink while you are in a business environment.