Dressing for Job Interviews in Japan: Traditional vs. Foreign & Startup Environments

Recruit suit is essentially a Japanese 'uniform' for job seekers

Japan is a country that takes professional presentation very seriously, and this extends to job interviews. Interview attire in Japan tends to be more formal and uniform than in many Western cultures. However, expectations can vary depending on the type of employer. This article provides detailed guidance on how to dress for interviews at a) major Japanese companies (Keidanren-affiliated), b) foreign-funded companies, and c) start-ups or newer industries. We’ll cover attire for both men and women, note seasonal adaptations (summer vs. winter), and highlight cultural nuances (hairstyles, accessories, makeup, etc.) that international candidates should know. Throughout the article, remember that it’s always safer to be overdressed, rather than underdressed. 

Please also note that this article should only be used as a rough guidance on how you should dress for Japanese job interviews - some companies in the above category (major Japanese companies, foreign-funded companies, and start-ups or newer industries) will certainly have different dress-codes, so simply use this as a reference to understand what is socially 'accepted' at these firms. Needless to say, you should always do some research on the company before you show up to the interview! 

Major Japanese Companies (Keidanren-affiliated)

Formality & Culture: Major Japanese corporations – especially those in the Keidanren business federation – have traditionally expected conservative dress codes from their interviewees. Recently, there  has been a shift away from traditional dress codes - companies have relaxed their interview attire to accommodate for more personal style and individuality. In fact, some Keidanren-affiliated firms are now telling their candidates to dress more ‘casually’ - ‘encouraging people to skip wearing a suit altogether. For instance, Fujifilm, a Japanese multinational conglomerate, states they have a free dress code for their interview*1.

However, it is essential to understand what was traditionally expected in Japanese job hunting, so you can tweak your look based on company’s culture, or the formality of each interview. 

There is essentially a “uniform” for job seekers in Japan known as the recruit suit (リクルートスーツ). This is the standard attire for fresh graduates during shūkatsu (job-hunting season) and is also a safe choice for any candidate in a formal interview with a traditional firm. The idea is to appear neutral, professional, and as though you could “blend in” with the company culture. 

General Style: A recruit suit is typically dark (solid black is most classic and standard) with a white dress shirt and minimal accessories). The overall look for both men and women should be crisp, clean, and modest. Here are the standard components:

Men: 

• Wear a solid dark suit (black is most popular for new grads, though deep navy has recently become more acceptable) The suit should be a classic single-breasted style; ensure it’s well-fitted (sleeves showing about 1 cm of shirt cuff and jacket length covering most of your backside). 

• Pair it with a white, collared dress shirt (plain white is recommended as it’s seen as the most “safe” choice. Add a conservative necktie – typically a muted solid color or subtle stripe; avoid loud patterns or flashy colors. (No novelty prints – no flashy tie with an animal pattern, for example.) 

• Shoes should be black leather oxfords or similarly formal dress shoes, and they should be well-polished. Wear dark socks (black socks to match the suit; make sure they’re long enough that no skin shows when sitting). A belt, if worn, should be plain and match the shoe color. 

• Keep any briefcase or bag plain and dark – ideally a solid black bag large enough for A4 documents. The goal is to have a classic look that blends in with the crowd, as opposed to sticking out. 

Women: 

• Similar to men’s interview attire, wear a solid dark two-piece suit, either a skirt suit or pantsuit (in black or deep navy). The design should be conservative with no bright patterns (stripes or check might be acceptable) or trendy cuts – typically a single-breasted jacket with 2 buttons. Overall, the color palette should be dark and neutral;plain black is by far the most common choice for women’s interview suits as well. 

• Underneath, wear a white blouse or shirt with a modest neckline. If it’s a button-up shirt, keep it buttoned fairly high (avoid showing too much collarbone or any cleavage). 

• The skirt  should be roughly knee-length and not tight; pair it with sheer, skin-tone stockings (bare legs are usually frowned upon in formal settings, even in summer). If you opt for slacks, they should be full-length trousers (ankle-length at shortest) in the matching suit fabric. 

• Shoes should be plain black or dark pumps with a low heel (typically 3–5 cm) – closed-toe and not overly shiny. Avoid open-toe, or very high heels. 

• Carry a simple black or dark-colored handbag or briefcase that looks professional (no large logos or casual styles) 

Seasonal Adjustments: 

Regardless of season, the default expectation at conservative companies is a full suit. 

In summer, Japan’s heat and humidity make full suits uncomfortable, and many companies participate in the “Cool Biz” campaign (from June through September) to allow lighter attire. Some employers will explicitly tell candidates “please come in Cool Biz attire”, meaning you may skip the jacket (and tie for men) due to the intense heat. If the company specifically allows it, you can attend an interview without a suit jacket and/or without a tie. In Cool Biz mode, men should still wear formal slacks and a long-sleeve shirt (typically white) – you simply omit the jacket and tie, which is the standard Cool Biz style. (Short-sleeve dress shirts are usually acceptable in summer, but some Japanese HR officers feel long sleeves appear more formal – one guide notes that long sleeves are “more formal” even if you go jacketless. If you do wear short sleeves, do not roll them up during the actual interview. 

Women’s Cool Biz interview attire similarly means wearing the blouse without the suit jacket, while keeping the outfit conservative – e.g. a white blouse (long or short sleeve) with your dark skirt or trousers, and you should still wear stockings with a skirt. 

In winter, it’s acceptable to wear an overcoat over your suit while commuting to the interview. Remove your coat and any scarf or gloves before you enter the interview room (typically you’d do this in the lobby or waiting area so you appear in your suit when greeting the interviewers). Women can opt for pantsuits in winter for warmth, and men might wear an extra inner vest under the suit if needed – just keep layers tidy. 

Grooming and Details: Traditional companies pay attention to small details of grooming as part of your “interview etiquette.” Aim for a clean, conservative look:

• Hair should be neat and natural-looking. Men are expected to have a short haircut or very neatly tied hair if long (long, untied hair on men is generally not accepted in conservative firms). Men should be clean-shaven. Women with long hair usually tie it back in a low ponytail or bun for a professional appearance – the idea is to keep hair from covering your face when you bow or speak. Avoid flashy hair accessories; use simple black or neutral hair ties/clips. Unnatural hair colors (bright dyes) are discouraged for both men and women at conservative firms. 

• Makeup should be simple and natural-looking. In Japan, wearing a bit of light makeup (foundation, subtle lipstick) for women is often seen as part of looking “professional,” but it should be understated. Avoid heavy eye makeup, bright-colored lipstick, or glitter – stick to neutral tones that enhance a polished look. Nail polish, if any, should be clear or a muted nude/pink shade; no bold colors or elaborate nail art. 

• Jewelry and accessories should be minimal to none. For women, small stud earrings or a modest necklace can be acceptable, but wearing no jewelry at all is also common. Men typically do not wear any visible jewelry except a wedding band or a simple watch. Multiple piercings should be removed or kept to one per ear lobe. A plain analog watch is recommended for both genders (checking the time on your phone during an interview is a faux pas, so a watch is useful and also signals punctuality)

• Cover any tattoos with clothing or makeup. Traditional Japanese companies still associate tattoos with unprofessionalism or gang imagery. If you have tattoos on your arms or legs, wear long sleeves to hide them. Even if some modern offices are becoming more lenient, it’s safest to keep tattoos fully covered during interviews. 

• Use a light touch with fragrances. It’s best not to wear strong cologne or perfume at all. A mild deodorant is fine (and recommended in summer), but any noticeable fragrance can be seen as distracting or overly personal in Japan’s polite business culture. 

Foreign-Funded Companies in Japan

Formality & Culture: Foreign-affiliated companies (such as Western multinational corporations operating in Japan) generally have more flexible dress norms than traditional Japanese firms. The expected interview attire here is still professional, but you need not adhere to the exact “recruit suit uniform” you should follow for traditional Japanese firms.In many cases the culture is influenced by Western business practices, so there is a bit more room for personal style and comfort. 

That said, basic business formalwear is usually the starting point as Japanese norms of neatness still apply, unless you have specific guidance otherwise. It’s also wise to research the company’s culture: for example, a global investment bank in Tokyo will expect a suit and tie much like a Japanese bank would, whereas a tech company from Silicon Valley might be far more casual. When in doubt, lean toward a suit – but it doesn’t necessarily have to be the plain black recruit suit. Overdressing slightly is safer than underdressing, but you also want to show you’d fit into their company’s vibe.

General Style: For men and women alike, a dark two-piece business suit is often appropriate, but navy blue or charcoal grey (not just black) suits are very common in international firms. 

Men: 

• A suit (two-piece matching jacket and trousers) in navy, dark grey, or even a subtle pinstripe is perfectly acceptable in foreign companies’ interviews. 

• You should still pair it with a collared dress shirt – white is safest, but light blue or another pale, neutral tone can be fine if you know the company is not ultra-formal. Ensure the shirt is well-pressed and no bold patterns (a very subtle stripe is okay).

• A tie is usually recommended, but you might choose one with a bit more color or pattern than you would for a conservative Japanese firm – e.g. a tasteful striped or dotted tie in navy, burgundy, or other muted color. Avoid anything flamboyant; the tie should still complement the suit rather than draw attention. Many foreign companies won’t mind if your tie has a bit of personality, but it should not be too flashy or “fun” - you should keep it professional. 

• Shoes can be black or dark brown leather, polished and classic in style. Brown shoes are more commonly seen in Western business attire (whereas Japanese new grads almost always wear black), and they would be fine especially with navy or grey suits – just make sure the belt and shoes match in color. 

Women: 

• You have more freedom to wear professional attire that isn’t a carbon copy of everyone else’s. A suit in navy, charcoal, or medium grey is often a good choice, and pantsuits are equally as acceptable as skirt suits in foreign firms. 

• You can also incorporate a bit of color in your blouse or accessories, though still stick to conservative taste. For instance, a white or pastel-colored blouse or a fine-knit top can work under a suit jacket (whereas Japanese firms tend to prefer strictly white, some foreign firms wouldn’t mind a soft color or subtle pattern on a blouse). The blouse should not be low-cut or too frilly – maintain a tailored, office-appropriate style. 

• If you wear a dress instead, it should essentially look like business attire (e.g. a knee-length sheath dress in a dark color, with a blazer on top). 

• Jewelry can be a touch more expressive than in a Japanese firm – for example, a simple pendant necklace or a pair of small earrings are fine – but it should still be understated and not noisy or oversized. 

• Makeup can likewise be a bit more up to personal preference, but generally a natural professional look is best in interviews. 

• Shoes should be formal: closed-toe pumps or flats. You might get away with a slightly higher heel or a shoe in dark navy or beige rather than black, but avoid anything that reads as casual (no overly decorative heels). If you do wear a colored shoe, ensure it’s subtle and matches the outfit. In most cases, sticking to black or brown leather shoes is simplest. Carry a professional-looking bag or portfolio.

Seasonal Adjustments: Foreign-funded companies in Japan also typically adopt the Cool Biz practice in summer months, so they won’t be surprised if you don’t wear a jacket in the hot summer months of July or August. In an interview setting, though, apply similar logic as before: unless told, arrive in a jacket and tie. Many global companies actually inform interview candidates of the dress code. If a recruiter says “business casual is fine for the interview,” that’s your cue that you can relax the attire (perhaps no tie, or wearing just a blazer and slacks rather than a full suit). If you’re unsure, you might wear your suit but not object if they say “feel free to take off your jacket.” 

Ties: In summer, even many Japanese offices drop ties; an international firm will certainly not require a tie in a heatwave if they’ve mentioned casual attire. So if the interview invitation or the company’s culture hints at Cool Biz, men can go without a tie (bring one in your bag just in case, or if you feel underdressed). Women can forgo the suit jacket in hot weather and wear a short-sleeve blouse if appropriate – just maintain professional appearance (no sundresses or revealing tops). 

Winter considerations are the same: wearing a coat to the interview is fine. Perhaps foreign companies might be a bit more permissive with fashion, so a neatly styled wool coat in a dark color is fine (doesn’t have to be the plain black “recruit coat” that many Japanese students wear, but that is fine too). Scarves can be worn to stay warm but should be taken off along with the coat before the actual interview begins.

Grooming and Presentation: The cultural expectations at foreign companies can be slightly more relaxed, but as an interviewee in Japan, it’s best to stay on the safe side in terms of grooming:

• Hair: You don’t necessarily need the ultra-uniform hairstyles expected in Japanese firms, but you should aim for a well-groomed look. If you have dyed hair in a fashion color (e.g. red, blue), consider toning it down for the interview – many foreign firms won’t outright discriminate, but your interviewer might still carry local sensibilities. Natural hair colors or conservative dye jobs won’t distract from your candidacy. For men, while foreign tech companies might tolerate ponytails or longer hair, an interview is not the time to test that boundary – a fresh haircut or neatly tied-back long hair (with tidy facial hair if you have it) will give a better impression of professionalism. For women, feel free to style your hair in any professional manner; it doesn’t have to be a low ponytail specifically, but avoid extremes (no flashy accessories, and probably skip any bright highlights for the interview).

• Accessories: International companies may be more open-minded about personal expression (for instance, earrings on men or visible tattoos might be seen at the workplace). However, it’s wise to approach the interview conservatively. Cover tattoos for the first meeting – once you land the job you can discreetly ask HR about their policy. Basically, the interviewer might be Japanese even if the company is foreign, and you want to show respect by dressing in line with Japan’s general business etiquette. After you join, a progressive foreign company might not care too much about having piercings or blue hair,  but during the interview it’s best to let your skills and experiences do the talking, not your accessories.

• Etiquette: Even at foreign firms, some Japanese interview customs persist. You should still bring printed resumes in a clean folder or briefcase (and thus dress in a way that accommodates that – e.g. have a bag). The attire you choose should allow you to move politely (for instance, if you bow, your jacket shouldn’t gape open improperly, and if you’re a woman wearing a skirt, it should be long enough that it’s not awkward when you sit down and bow). These are subtle points, but they tie into attire: test your outfit for comfort and modesty in typical interview actions (walking, sitting, bowing or shaking hands, etc.).

Start-ups and Newer Industries

Formality & Culture: Start-ups, tech companies, and firms in creative or new industries represent the most casual end of the Japanese business spectrum. Many of these companies pride themselves on a modern work culture that departs from strict tradition. It’s not so uncommon that daily work attire at a trendy web start-up or a game design studio in Tokyo might be T-shirts, jeans, and sneakers. Some start-ups even explicitly tell candidates to not wear a suit so as to keep the interview informal and comfortable. However, the challenge for candidates is to gauge how truly casual the interview will be. Japanese start-ups can vary widely: some are founded by young entrepreneurs who despise the old corporate formality, while others are more of a hybrid, casual in spirit but still formal when it comes to hiring.

Thus, the best course of action would be to research or ask about the company’s interview dress expectations. Check the company’s recruitment page or any information session – occasionally they mention “no need for suit” in the job posting or invite. It would be even better if you can join their ‘casual chat’ sessions where you can speak to their employees in a more casual manner to see what the employees there are wearing. If you’re uncertain, lean towards business casual or business formal but not ultra-traditional.

General Style: In newer industries, the dress code for interviews can range from business formal to smart casual. As a baseline, business casual is often acceptable unless it’s a high-stakes interview. That means you might not need a full matching suit, but you should still look put-together.

Men: 

A safe approach is smart casual or business casual attire. For example, you could wear slacks in a neutral color (navy, grey, khaki, etc) with a collared shirt (such as an Oxford dress shirt or a quality button-down shirt). Adding a blazer or sport jacket on top can elevate it to business casual if you’re unsure. A tie is usually optional in start-up interviews. 

Example outfits: A navy blazer, white or pale blue shirt, and beige chinos with brown loafers; or a crisp white shirt tucked into grey slacks with a belt, no jacket but a neat cardigan or just the shirt on its own if the weather is hot. 

The key is that the clothes are clean, ironed, and fit well – you want to look neat and approachable. Even in a hoodie-friendly startup, don’t show up in a hoodie for the interview. Instead, think of what you’d wear on a slightly dressy day at a casual office. Opt for leather or leather-like shoes (a clean pair of loafers or brown dress shoes can work with business casual; avoid scuffed sneakers). If the company is a creative agency or fashion start-up, you might infuse a bit more personal style (maybe a stylish jacket or unique but tasteful tie), but again, only do so if you’re confident it aligns with their culture. When in doubt, it’s never wrong to wear a simple suit without a tie as a middle ground.

Women: 

You have a wide range of appropriate choices, from a casual suit alternative to business casual separates. 

Example outfits: One great go-to is a blouse paired with tailored slacks or a knee-length skirt, plus a blazer if you want to appear a bit more formal. You could wear a soft-colored blouse with black trousers and low heels, which reads as professional but not overly formal. 

You can choose slightly more relaxed fabrics or a pop of color if you know the startup is youthful (perhaps a pastel blouse or a patterned scarf for a touch of personality). Just ensure your overall look still conveys “I’m here for an interview,” not “I’m going to the mall.” Shoes don't necessarily have to be the plain black pumps of traditional companies; flats or low heels in a neutral or soft color are fine.

Seasonal Adjustments: Start-ups are typically flexible about comfort. In summer, casual-dress companies won’t expect you to suffer in a suit. It’s usually fine to arrive without a jacket, especially if everyone in their office is in short sleeves. Still, you should maintain a professional look even in summer – e.g. men can wear a short-sleeve collared shirt (or roll up long sleeves neatly) with lightweight slacks. Women can wear a short-sleeved blouse or a lightweight dress. Just be sure your clothing isn’t too casual in fabric. 

In winter, you have more freedom to wear sweaters and such under your blazer if that’s the style – a nice sweater over a collared shirt can be a smart casual look for men, for example. Women might wear thicker opaque tights with a skirt instead of sheer hose, which is usually fine in a casual office. 

Grooming and Presentation: Start-up culture generally puts less emphasis on conservative appearance and more on your skills and fit. It’s not uncommon to see employees with dyed hair, piercings, or casual hairstyles in the office. For the interview, though, moderation is key. You can loosen up slightly compared to a traditional interview, but you should still be well-groomed as it shows respect and seriousness about the opportunity.

• You might not need the standard tight bun or parted hairstyle; just make sure your hair is clean and styled in a way that doesn’t hide your face. Showing a bit of individuality likely won’t hurt in a young company – it could even be a plus if the culture values creativity. Similarly, if you normally sport a beard, a tech startup might not mind at all as long as it’s trimmed. Use your judgment based on what you know of the company (if their team photos show everyone in jeans and creative hairstyles, you have more leeway).

• If you have tattoos and you suspect the startup’s team is young, they might not care about ink. However, it’s still a risk to expose them in an interview unless you’re sure.

Conclusion - Dressing for Job Interviews in Japan

Dressing for a job interview in Japan requires balancing formality, cultural norms, and the specific company’s culture. For major Japanese companies, the social norm is changing to accommodate for more flexibility, much like the trend seen in other major cities like London and New York. However, note that conservative attire might still be expected – the classic recruit suit looks for both men and women is the safest choice if in doubt. For foreign-affiliated companies, you can go professional but with a bit more flexibility, avoiding an overly uniform look yet still wearing a suit or equivalent business attire. For start-ups and newer industries, business casual or smart casual is often acceptable – sometimes even encouraged – though maintaining a clean and respectable appearance is vital to show you’re taking the opportunity seriously. You should consider the season (Japan’s summers are famous for the Cool Biz no-tie, no-jacket policy), but adapt within the bounds of professionalism. By prioritizing a tidy, appropriate outfit, you demonstrate both respect and readiness. Show that you understand the level of formality expected for the specific company, and you will “dress to impress” in the right way! 

(Editor：Jelper Club Editorial Team）

Sources

1. 「よくあるご質問」（Fujifilm): https://www.fujifilm.com/ffs/ja/careers/faq