Heels, Makeup, and Earrings: Japanese Company Rules on Clothing and Appearance (2024)

FAQs

Heels, Makeup, and Earrings: Japanese Company Rules on Clothing and Appearance? ›

The main rules included men being required to wear suits (19.4%), men having to wear ties (19.6%), men not being allowed to wear earrings (32.9%), and women having to wear makeup (15.1%). There were also rules on the height of heels for women in the workplaces of 19.4% of respondents.

Many businesses in Japan require women employees to wear heels of between five and seven centimeters, or 1.9 and 2.75 inches, in height. Ishikawa found shoes of this type to be inconvenient and uncomfortable at work, and complained on Twitter about wearing them.

Cultural Norms

In Japan, there is a cultural emphasis on conformity and modesty. Earrings are often seen as being too flashy or attention-grabbing, and they may not be considered appropriate for certain occasions, such as job interviews or formal events.

Business attire

Here are some guidelines to keep in mind: Men: Dark-colored suits with subdued ties are the standard, with a white dress shirt and polished shoes. Women: Conservative attire is essential, with knee-length skirts and dresses, accompanied by closed-toe shoes. Makeup and jewelry should be kept to a minimum.

Women should wear dresses or skirts, preferably knee-length. Avoid showing your shoulders; if the dress is sleeveless, add a shawl or bolero. White should be avoided, although at a more casual wedding you may be able to wear black. On the other hand, it's not all rules and customs.

You won't get arrested or anything, but in my experience, it is not at all common for young women to go obviously braless in Japan. It seems to be mainly only the older age group (over 60 or 70) that is happy to let it all flop out.

Under Article 177 of the Penal Code, a person found guilty of forcibly committing sexual intercourse, anal intercourse or oral intercourse with another person over the age of 13 years old, through assault or intimidation, may be imprisoned for a definite term of not less than five years.

As a tourist, it is unnecessary to wear business attire, but dress nicely, as the Japanese women do not dress in grubby clothes. Jeans are seen infrequently, shorts rarely, unless they are longer length walking type shorts. Most women wore crop length pants. The Japanese women do not wear t-shirts as we do in the US.

While piercings are becoming more popular and accepted in Japan, particularly among younger generations, it is still not as common as in some other countries. Therefore, you may encounter some people who have negative or judgmental attitudes towards facial piercings. Why do people get their septum pierced?

Business Attire

While each company has its own specific dress code, the general code for both men and women is formal. The suit should be dark-colored – black or dark blue preferred. However, it is advisable not to wear a black suit with a white shirt and black tie as it's more funeral-appropriate.

Is it rude to not wear makeup in Japan? ›

Did you know that in Japan, going out without any makeup on can be considered rude? Some women even feel embarrassed meeting people outside of their family without makeup, saying it's like showing up naked! If you feel astonished by either of these statements, you're not the only one.

Employers cannot arbitrarily require female employees to wear makeup. Female workers should not be subject to sex discrimination if they do not want to wear makeup. Still, if an employer can show that wearing makeup is a bona fide occupational qualification, they can include such provisions in their dress code.

Wear slip-on shoes

While flip flops are a big no-no for most occasions (save for a trip to the beach or a midnight run to the conbini), comfy ballet flats, loafers, boat shoes, or even a nice pair of slip-on sneakers are practical options. You might also notice that open-toed shoes and sandals are uncommon.

Can I wear leggings in Japan? This is a personal decision, but leggings are not commonly worn as pants in Japan (unlike in many Western countries). Leggings are considered to be revealing (since they are tight), so they may attract some unwanted attention.

Crossing your feet in some cultures is considered very rude. In Japan you are expected to sit erect with both feet on the floor and never cross your ankle over your knee. In Singapore, as in many Asia cultures, the foot is thought to be unclean and should not be used to point at someone.

A common rule of thumb is if the place is culturally traditional, has tatami mats, or is someone's personal space like a residence, then you should take off your shoes. Otherwise, it is likely okay to leave them on.

Wear slip-on shoes

While flip flops are a big no-no for most occasions (save for a trip to the beach or a midnight run to the conbini), comfy ballet flats, loafers, boat shoes, or even a nice pair of slip-on sneakers are practical options. You might also notice that open-toed shoes and sandals are uncommon.

The Japanese have a highly refined aesthetic regarding shoes and cleanliness. Signs at the entrances to temples, shrines, traditional inns, and many restaurants indicate that shoes should be removed before entering.