Mnetters in Japan, could I ask for advice please?

[CMOTDibbler]

I have a 2 week business trip coming up (Kuoto, Osaka, Okinawa, Tokyo to be precise) and although I've been to Japan before for work, its not been for a while and a slightly different setting.

So can you advise on what is current good practice on womens business dress? I work in a very male dominated field and will be visiting customers in a technical capacity.

Also, I have a disability and very obvious surgical scars on one arm/hand. Would people be more comfortable if this was covered? I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable or draw attention.

Hi CMOT

No low cut tops (or even medium cut tops, a high neckline is better). Also don't show the tops of your arms - any shirt or top needs to be at least bracelet length. Finally, make sure you can't see your bra through the gaps inbetween buttons on your shirts.

Go for muted colours if you want to blend in (black, grey, cream, navy, pale peach), although if you do wear brighter colours that will be fine on account of your foreignness!

Nothing too tight. A fitted suit is one thing but try to make sure your tops aren't too clingy.

Remember you will probably have to take your shoes off at one point so don't forget to wear tights or socks as bare feet in guest slippers is frowned upon.

As for your scars... I would say this is up to you and how you feel. The Japanese are so very polite that were the scars on show, they probably wouldn't mention them. But you may get some glances. I would say this decision depends on your comfort I think.

Have a fabulous time!

Thank you jpgirl, thats brilliant advice which I'll build my packing list round.

I don't mind people looking at the scars/weird arm, but I know some people are uncomfortable, and would hate to put anyone in the situation of really not being an appropriate thing but they are too polite to tell me

You are very welcome! Another thing which you probably already know - building insulation isn't really a thing in Japan and it's getting a little cool now, especially in the evenings. So lots of layers and a good coat! However, you should be fine in Okinawa you lucky thing

Layers when out and about. It gets chilly at night but trains, shops and hotels can be roasting hot.

Good advice on the business wardrobe.

Enjoy your trip. Eat lots of yummy food. I'm jealous!

Thank you both! I'm displacing nerves at a very packed schedule by faffing with my wardrobe now.

My faithful lightweight down coat will be coming with me as its so practical as well as super cosy - only one night in Okinawa alas!

I'm back from my trip now, and wanted to say that your advice was spot on, and I felt very comfortable in what I had packed as appropriate.

I'd love to go to Okinawa again - if only for the fact that the airport is a joint commercial and air force base, so F35 fighter jets were taking off on the runway while we waited to take off. Which looked even better with the back drop of the ocean.