Can I wear brown shoes with a navy suit?

No. Japanese business dress is more conservative than Western standards. Black shoes only with dark suits.

Do I need to bring multiple suit options?

Pack two identical suits minimum. Business trips often involve multiple meetings, dinners, and potential spills. Better to have backup.

Are there seasonal dress code differences?

Summer allows slightly lighter fabrics but colors stay the same. Many Japanese companies have 'Cool Biz' periods (June-September) where ties are optional, but err conservative unless told otherwise.

What about business casual meetings?

Japanese 'business casual' is still very formal by Western standards. Dark slacks with button-down shirt and blazer minimum. When in doubt, overdress.

How to dress for business meetings in Tokyo

Japanese business dress is extremely conservative. Men wear dark suits (navy or charcoal), white shirts, and conservative ties. Women wear dark pantsuits or knee-length skirts with blazers, minimal jewelry, and closed-toe shoes. Quality and fit matter more than brands.

Choose your base colors. Stick to navy, charcoal gray, or black for suits. White or light blue shirts only. Avoid patterns, bright colors, or anything that stands out. Conservative is the only option.
Get the fit right. Japanese business culture values precision in dress. Suits should be well-tailored but not tight. Pants should break slightly at the shoe. Shirts should not pull or bunch.
Pick appropriate footwear. Men: black leather dress shoes, polished and conservative. Women: closed-toe pumps or flats in black or navy, heel height under 3 inches. Shoes must slip off easily as you'll remove them frequently.
Minimize accessories. Keep jewelry simple and minimal. Men: watch and wedding ring only. Women: small earrings, simple necklace, watch. No visible piercings beyond ear lobes. Remove or cover visible tattoos.
Prepare for shoe removal. Wear clean, hole-free socks or stockings. Bring slip-on shoes if possible. Many offices and restaurants require shoe removal. Your feet will be seen.

Can I wear brown shoes with a navy suit?: No. Japanese business dress is more conservative than Western standards. Black shoes only with dark suits.
Do I need to bring multiple suit options?: Pack two identical suits minimum. Business trips often involve multiple meetings, dinners, and potential spills. Better to have backup.
Are there seasonal dress code differences?: Summer allows slightly lighter fabrics but colors stay the same. Many Japanese companies have 'Cool Biz' periods (June-September) where ties are optional, but err conservative unless told otherwise.
What about business casual meetings?: Japanese 'business casual' is still very formal by Western standards. Dark slacks with button-down shirt and blazer minimum. When in doubt, overdress.