What’s the japanese stance on male fashion?

Hey everyone I just got to Japan so I don’t really know all the social conventions yet. In my home country of germany we are really liberal on what you can and can’t wear. And while I understand that this stuff isn’t too bad in Japan either there are some things that are not that conventional in germany either so I was wondering if it was ok in Japan.

The things I am talking about are mainly acessories. I usually dress really normal (T-Shirt, Jeans, Hoodie, Maybe oversized stuff) but I often like to add a lot of jewlery like chains around my kneck or on my pants. Or several rings on my fingers. I also liked to put on some black nail polish in germany.

I know I should just do whatever makes me happy but It’s not that super important and I’d rather be seen as a normal dude than making a bad first impression on the japanese people I meet here. So what’s the deal with that?

18 comments
  1. I have no fashion advice to give since I still have several pairs of Jorts and cargo pants in the closet.

    But absolutely *do not dare* ever, never… wear shorts outside after the calendar flips to October 1st.

    You’ll hear the “Oh, shorts? … Aren’t you cold?” forever and ever.

  2. You’d probably love Harajuku!

    Jokes aside, I don’t think many would care too much unless you were in an office environment. Urban wear is just as liberal as you’d find in Germany, UK, or USA.

    The chains might make you look a bit like a yakuza wannabe, but people will generally keep their opinions to themselves.

    Tattoos are a different kettle of fish.

  3. No one is going to bully you or harass you for fashion choices, if that’s what you mean.

    You might get weird looks, depending on where you are (especially with regard to nail polish). But I have also seen plenty of young (20s, 30s) alt-fashion type boys wear nail polish or jewelry in Tokyo. Assuming you don’t look Japanese, you will also get looks in general for being obviously foreign… and tbh they may just chalk up your fashion choices to that.

    These things would be a problem in the workplace though, where you have a stricter dress code.

  4. I walk around with a HEAVY punk aesthetic, and I get compliments almost daily. As such, there’s no reason you shouldn’t dress how you like.

  5. Look around you, noone cares what Japanese guys wear, they’re going to care even less what you’re wearing.

    As long as you’re wearing something – don’t go full commando or anything.

  6. It really depends on location. The cities here in Japan feel really diverse in terms of fashion; Osaka fashion feels totally different to Tokyo or Hokkaido for example. In major cities I do see plenty of guys wearing jewellery, but not much nail polish.

  7. Ist eigentlich wie in Deutschland auch. In der Großstadt interessierts keinen wie du dich in deiner Freizeit anziehst, auf dem Land wirst du wahrscheinlich angeglotzt, aber das wirst du als nicht-Asiate sowieso. Auf der Arbeit ist das anders, da kommt es sehr stark auf deine Firma an. Bei uns ist das sehr liberal und die Leute laufen auch mit pinken Haaren rum, aber es gibt auch Firmen die es Frauen verbieten selbst Ohrringe zu tragen.

  8. I mean, as long as you’re not wearing dirty shit or your balls aren’t hanging out, who cares?

  9. In my experience Japanese men care more about grooming than people in the US or Europe, but fashion more depends on the person. For example, well groomed eye brows, facial hair removal, skin care, etc.

  10. 1. Just observe those around you.

    2. Go to a book store and pick up some Men’s fashion magazines.

    3. TPO – Time, Place, Occasion

    For the most part, it’s not that deep. But like, if your attending a traditional tea ceremony, for example, maybe check if there’s a dress code.

  11. The only people who really care about what guys wear are them basic 109 bitches who get interviewed while lurking around Hachiko waiting to be seen. Unless that’s the type of crowd you want to please, just dress and accessorise however you like

  12. Just dress the same as you would back home. Who cares what normal Japanese guys wear? There will always be people who dress alternative or in a different style most people don’t dress.

  13. As someone wearing chains, rings and nail polish, it’s completely fine. I get looks but not more necessarily than when I don’t wear it. Usually compliments from Japanese are very positive and they think it’s cool.

  14. Japanese young men’s fashion is either oversized everything to hide your body shape or the salaryman uniform.

    If you’re not visibly east Asian you’re not going to blend in or look “normal” anyway, so it doesn’t really matter.

  15. By the sound of it, you weren’t a “normal dude” in Germany either. If you have a good eye for fashion, just use those eyes and have a look around. The Japanese are very tolerant of peculiar dress senses. Just don’t mistake tolerance with general acceptance, e.g. when you apply for a job.

  16. Japanese people are people, and you can make a bad impression or a good impression on them regardless of the way you dress. If you are located in Tokyo – most people are too busy (or tired) to care.

    People may look at you regardless on how you dress, because you are foreigner.

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