Workplace attire
It is important to pay close attention to the standard office dress code at your company if you want to make a good first impression in Japan. Generally, Japanese people tend to dress conservatively especially if they are new to the company or working in a traditional Japanese company.
For women:
Suit or a dress with neutral colors like black, navy, and grey
Skirt lengths below the knee
Tights or stockings should be worn
Blouses with light colors like light pink, light beige, and white
Heels between 3cm - 5cm ( heel should not be too high). No flats or sneakers.
Simple light-colored nails
Avoid wearing sleeveless tops or deep-cut blouses that show too much skin (if you wear one, bring a cardigan or blazer).
Avoid tightly form-fitted clothes that accentuate your body line.
Avoid dyeing your hair a color that stands out
For men:
Suit with neutral colors like black, navy, and grey. Stripes or no patterns.
White or light blue shirts
Black or brown shoes with neutral-colored socks like black, navy, and grey
Ideally short hair
Avoid dyeing your hair a color that stands out
Note that dress codes vary by companies, as well as the specific role of the person. If the job description requires meeting with clients on a daily basis, the dress code will likely be more formal compared to people working from the office all the time. Although many companies are starting to accept business-casual attires (especially startups and international companies), people dress rather conservatively in order to be taken seriously.
Wedding attire
Weddings tend to vary in styles. It can range from a very formal Shinto-style wedding to casual Western-style weddings. As a general etiquette, when invited to the wedding, make sure to prepare goshugi (gift money) which ranges from 30,000 yen to 100,000 yen depending on the relationships with the newly married couple. Place crisp notes in a shugibukuro (money envelope) which can be found in stationery stores and convenience stores. The dress code is not as strict, however it's a universal rule to avoid wearing white to any kind of wedding in Japan. Generally, Japanese women will dress up and get their hair set but also make sure they are not wear anything too striking or revealing to pay respect to the bride. The specific dress code will depend on the style of the wedding, so make sure to check before attending.
Funeral attire
Regardless of what the family practices, most osoushiki (funerals) are conducted in a Buddhist-style in Japan. The deceased’s family is responsible for organizing a funeral service which includes the otsuya (wake), and kokubetsushiki (ceremony).
Otsuya is when families, relatives, and friends pay their last respect to the deceased. Here, the guests will give kouden (condolence money) which generally varies from 3,000 yen to 30,000 yen depending on the relationship with the deceased. Note that the bills have to be new and crisp. Generally, the next day follows the Kokubetsushiki, when the body is cremated and people say goodbye to the departed for the last time.
The dress code for funerals must be followed strictly. The general rule is to wear all black (the blackest shade of black you can find), including your belongings, and no accessories except for pearls and wedding rings.
For Women:
Plain black dress or a suit. No patterns.
The only color allowed other than black is the white shirt under the suit. However, the jacket shall not be taken off at any time.
Plain small black handbag. Avoid shiny patent leathers or flourishes. No backpacks or messenger bags allowed.
Black plain shoes. The heels should not be too tall, flats are allowed. No shiny fabrics or sneakers.
No showing of skin, wear stockings that are black or the same as your skin color.
Dress length should be below the knee.
No strong perfumes.
No bright colored nails. Although no nail polishes are ideal, light pink or light beige is also acceptable.
Jewelry is limited to small pearls and wedding rings.
Hair should be tied back in a low ponytail or a bun if long. Keep it simple if short.
School uniform is allowed for students.
For Men:
Plain Black suit
Black shoes (no sneakers)
Black tie (no bow tie)
Black handbag
No jewelry or watches other than wedding rings
No strong perfume
School uniforms are allowed for students.
This may sound like a lot of rules to figure out, but many suit stores in Japan and department stores will have a section for funeral attire. Japanese people will buy a whole set for funerals and keep them in their closets as funeral attire, as there will be no other time to wear an all-black outfit. The list can be overwhelming, but remember to dress all back, (even your umbrella) and avoid any embellishment of any sort.