ALT Dress Code: Do Teachers in Japan Wear Business Attire? - Interac Network (2024)

FAQs

ALT Dress Code: Do Teachers in Japan Wear Business Attire? - Interac Network? ›

Japan is a very conservative country! Interac ALTs

Clothes & Japanese Work Attire

As a teacher in Japan, you'll have to have a similar dress code to a Japanese office worker or business person. There's no uniform for ALTs, but work attire is still pretty conservative. Like with hair rules, it's best to be cautious and check what your school's staff are wearing.

Men should wear dark-coloured business suits with ties and white shirts. Jewellery for men should be kept to a minimum – a watch and a wedding ring would be fine. Women should also dress conservatively and in subdued colours.

Japanese school uniforms are modeled on European-style naval uniforms. They were first used in Japan in the late 19th century, replacing the traditional kimono. Today, school uniforms are common in many Japanese public and private schools. The Japanese word for this type of uniform is seif*cku (制服).

Formal Pants And Casual Tunic/Shirt

For teachers, either male or female, the best dress code which is the safest and most comfortable will be a formal pair of pants with a semi-formal shirt or tunic. Make sure the pants or trousers should be in a good fit and preferably has a stretch for unrestricted movement.

Noting that their attire is a reflection of their professionalism and authority, it mandates that female teachers must wear either sarees or salwar/ churidar with a kurta, while male teachers have been instructed to wear shirts and trousers.

Most schools prefer that teachers wear professional or business attire, such as a suit or a blazer over a skirt or dress. Elementary teachers often have a slightly more relaxed dress code to reflect their more active work environment.

The traditional dress of Japan is the kimono. Kimonos, which are generally made of silk, have large sleeves and reach from the shoulders all the way down to the heels.

Overly revealing clothing in the business place is not appreciated as well as heels. Bright and flashy accessories are also should be avoided, while being overly masculine like wearing pants is not allowed. But generally speaking, conservative theme is the main of Japanese dress code.

In Japan, seasonal dress is very important. In kimono styles, for instance, flower or foliage patterns are expected to match the season. In more casual terms, shorts, sandals, and short sleeves should be kept to the warmer months, while longer sleeves and suit jackets brought out in the cooler months.

What does an actual Japanese school uniform look like? ›

The most common type of Japanese school uniform is the "sailor suit" Seira f*cku (セーラー服) or "seif*cku" style. This style is characterized by a collared shirt with a ribbon tie, a blazer, and a skirt or pants. The shirt is usually white with navy or black accents, and the skirt or pants are also navy or black.

In most Japanese schools, everyone has to change out of their outside shoes and into their inside shoes (called Uwabaki or Uwagutsu) when they enter the school. By wearing indoor shoes they avoid bringing in dirt from outside.

Schools in Japan are known for their strict teachers and rules about appearance, and many of them are seen as too rigid. Each person is different and has their own distinct physical characteristics. Japanese schools should not define “natural hair” as straight, black hair.

Having a clear dress code policy can help project a positive image in the community and create a conducive learning environment ². Overall, dress code policies can play a role in enhancing teacher performance and creating a positive learning environment in schools.

Education : Most educators work in a classroom or office and can wear khakis and a polo with loafers, or even dark, non-ripped jeans with a nice shirt and flats, loafers or oxfords. Many combinations of business casual styles work for educators.

Of course, jeans are the most commonly addressed item. Meanwhile, leggings seem to take a close second place. Teacher can wear leggings!

But the rule of thumb is as long as it's a natural hair colour (not necessarily your natural colour but a possible natural one) then it's okay.

Facial hair must be trimmed very neatly. Schools prefer teachers to be clean-shaven. Dress: Japan is very conservative and teachers will typically be expected to wear full business attire at all times (suits etc.)

Ear piercings are against Japanese school dress code, along with any other forms of jewelry and even painted nails. In fact, piercings of any kind are very uncommon in Japan, even for older people.

In Japan, becoming a public school teacher requires graduating from a Ministry-approved university teacher education program and then obtaining a teaching certificate for a particular school level (primary, lower secondary, or upper secondary) and for a particular subject.