Japanese Business Etiquette │ Dress & Appearance for Job Hunting and Interviews

Key Points: "Clean and neat appearance" is the most important! 

Men

・Hair: Tidy and neat, avoid dandruff/bed hair
・Face: Shave cleanly, check nose hair, eye discharge
・Hands: Trim nails, carry a business bag (fits A4)
・Clothes: Dark/navy suit, proper size, no wrinkles
・Shoes: Dark socks, polished shoes

 Women

・Hair: Tidy and neat
・Face: Natural makeup, avoid flashy styles
・Hands: Short, neat nails; simple manicure only
・Clothes: Dark/navy suit, skirt length covers knees, avoid flashy accessories
・Shoes: Natural skin-tone stockings, no high heels/mules

Bags

・Dark color (black/brown), fits A4 documents
・Put resume/CV in a clear file, bring pen & notebook
・❌ No messenger bags, casual backpacks, pouches, or empty-handed

Makeup

・Makeup = part of business etiquette
・Natural makeup is standard (brown, pink, beige tones)
・Avoid heavy eye shadow, false lashes, dark lipstick
・Match company brand if apparel/cosmetics industry

Nails

・Simple, natural colors (clear, pink, beige)
・❌ No flashy glitter, 3D decorations, or bold colors

“Casual dress” instruction

★Two meanings:
・To check your fashion sense (common in apparel/cosmetics/design industries) → Match brand image
・To make you feel relaxed, reflect company culture → Wear neat, office-casual style
❌ No revealing clothes, shorts, sandals
✅ When in doubt: A suit is safest!

Summary

・Clean and neat appearance = shows respect and good manners
・Bag: Dark, business bag (fits A4 documents)
・Makeup/Nails: Keep it natural and simple
・Casual dress code: Choose office-casual or brand-appropriate style
・Free dress code: Suit is safest
→ Poor grooming can lower your evaluation and even cost you the job.
Master Japanese-style appearance etiquette before your interview!