The Japanese have a legitimately strict office dress code.
If you're an office worker — you must have a black suit.
Period.
A black mass of Japanese people blending into one. No matter what level clerk you are or what height of the hierarchy you're at — you need a suit. Rest assured that a Japanese person in a blue jacket has definitely concealed a suit underneath it and nothing else!
In reality, within the concept of a "black suit" lies an entire universe, and it's not always strictly black. A solid black suit of one shade is only appropriate for funerals. Different shades of black and navy blue, barely noticeable pinstripes - there are many rules, "it's not that simple."
Clerks waiting for coffee at a mobile coffee stand.
Black.
"Men in Black" isn't just a movie about fighting aliens, it's any business district in Tokyo. Though Japanese people are quite alien-like themselves.
Grandpa, did you forget to take your pills today? Where did you get those turquoise pants from?
Black moves first and wins.
That's how they walk around. Black on white.
How to make headlines? Wear a green cardigan to the office, or even dare to wear a green jacket over your black suit (but don't worry - we all know that suit is definitely there underneath).
The blackness of the workers is compensated by the brightness of the city's signs.
Whoa! This guy has broken not only the Japanese dress code but also openly violated Japanese laws (which is something unthinkable in itself).
Yes, he's smoking. Double damage!
Bought a suit? Rush to pachinko!!! Pachinko is a type of gaming machine where Japanese people hang out from morning till night, sometimes forgetting their children (true story).
But outside the office - it's a whole different story! This is me at a street advertising shoot.
About the Girls
A very important exotic element of Japan is that unlike the uniformly suited Japanese men, Japanese women aren't shy about wearing traditional costumes!
Or like this. Beauties, aren't they?
From the photos, you might get the impression that people dress like this everywhere. But no - Japanese women actually wear regular modern clothing in their daily lives. While you can indeed meet a *real* geisha on the streets (the author saw a maiko - an apprentice geisha), this is a rare exception and quite lucky!
In reality, most people wearing traditional costumes around tourist spots are tourists themselves who have rented these outfits - a wildly popular service that I highly recommend to everyone. There are both men's and women's kimono rentals available, with prices varying depending on the package: basic yukata rental starts around ¥3,000-4,000 ($20-30), while a full kimono experience with professional dressing assistance, hair styling, and accessories can range from ¥6,000 to ¥20,000 (~$40-135). For those interested in an authentic maiko/geisha makeover photoshoot, expect to pay ¥13,000-30,000 (~$90-200).
What can I say - we rented them too, here I am in a samurai costume. Looking deadly serious in my costume rental, ready to defend the honor of... well, tourist photos! And you know what? It's awesome!
And of course, the favorite gesture of all Asians!
Peace to everyone!
Japanese schoolgirls. No-no, not what you thought, no tentacles. Just schoolgirls!
And here they're a bit older, presumably university uniforms.
And for the finale, a signature feature of all Japan - white gloves. Cleanliness and neatness are elevated to some unimaginable cult status in Japan.
However, outside the offices in the evening, you can observe the most exotic riot of all kinds of clothing. Apparently, they're making up for work hours.
Japan is very good.
Very good indeed!