Japanese Interview Dress Code: What Foreigners Should Wear in Japan (Complete Guide)
Lio, Japanese Career Consultant (National license)
Conclusion
For job interviews in Japan, wearing a suit is the safest and most widely accepted choice—especially for large or traditional companies.
Even though interviewers rarely reject candidates solely based on clothing, overly casual attire can negatively affect first impressions, which still matter in Japanese hiring culture.
As of 2026, interview dress codes have become much more flexible, and many companies say that candidates are free to choose what to wear. However, for applicants interviewing with large Japanese corporations, formal attire is still very common.
Lio Author
Representative at BANSO Works
I am a Tokyo-born Japanese professional writer with a bachelor’s degree in intercultural communication, and I have lived in five countries.
I am also a nationally certified Career Consultant in Japan, with practical expertise in behavioral psychology.
In addition, I have hands-on HR experience at four major Japanese companies.
This combination of academic training in intercultural communication and extensive professional experience allows me to provide practical, experience-based insights into Japanese workplace culture.
What Is the Japanese Interview Dress Code?
The Japanese interview dress code refers to the culturally expected level of formality when attending job interviews in Japan.
In most cases, this means conservative, professional, and clean business attire, with a strong preference for uniformity and seriousness rather than personal expression.
For foreigners living in Japan, understanding this dress code is important because interviews are seen as formal evaluations of attitude and respect, not just skills.
Standard Interview Attire in Japan
For Men
- Dark suit (black, navy, or dark gray)
- White dress shirt
- Conservative tie
- Black or dark leather shoes
- Minimal accessories
For Women
- Suit (pants or skirt)
- Neutral colors (black, navy, gray)
- Modest blouse
- Closed-toe shoes with low heels
- Natural makeup and simple hairstyle
This style is often referred to as “recruit suit”, especially in large Japanese companies.
My Personal Experience as a Native Japanese Interviewer 🇯🇵
I am a native Japanese professional, and when I attend interviews, I almost always wear a suit with a tie.
It is quite formal—but in large Japanese corporations, this is still the safest and most common choice. Many candidates around me dress the same way, so wearing formal attire helps you blend in and avoid standing out negatively.
However, Japanese startups and younger companies are different.
They often prefer business casual, and dressing too formally may make you appear rigid or overly conservative. In such cases, I intentionally adjust my outfit.
Even for remote or online interviews, I still wear a suit and tie.
As someone who has also been on the interviewer’s side, I can say this honestly:
Interviewers usually do not reject candidates purely because of clothing.
However, first impressions matter, and candidates who dress too casually do carry a higher risk of negative evaluation.
Does Interview Dress Code Differ by Company Type?
Large / Traditional Japanese Companies
- Suit is strongly recommended
- Conservative appearance is valued
- Being “safe” is better than being creative
Startups / IT / Global Companies
- Business casual is often acceptable
- Overdressing may seem stiff
- Research the company culture in advance
Online Interview Dress Code in Japan
Even for Zoom or Teams interviews:
- Wear a suit (at least from the waist up)
- Avoid casual shirts or hoodies
- Maintain a professional background
Japanese interview culture treats online interviews with the same seriousness as in-person ones.
Why Dress Code Still Matters in Japanese Interviews
While Japan is changing, interviews still emphasize:
- First impressions
- Professional attitude
- Cultural awareness
- Respect for the company
Clothing is seen as a signal, not a fashion statement.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can foreigners wear business casual to interviews in Japan?
Yes, but only if the company culture supports it.
When in doubt, choose a suit.
Q2: Will I fail an interview in Japan because of my clothes?
Rarely.
But dressing too casually can slightly lower your evaluation.
Q3: Is a tie necessary?
For large companies: Yes(Recommended)
For startups: Optional
Final Advice for Foreign Residents in Japan
If you are unsure, dress formally.
In Japanese interviews, being slightly overdressed is safer than being underdressed.
Understanding the Japanese interview dress code is not about fashion—it is about showing respect, adaptability, and professionalism.
Use Polite Japanese (Keigo)
Using polite Japanese can significantly improve the impression you make on Japanese interviewers.
If you want to learn keigo, I recommend reading this book as well.
