Dress code in Japanese companies vs. universities

[Belgarion]

Hey guys,

I'm interested to know is there a difference in dress code if you're working at a company or university in Japan? I am going to have a research visit at a Japanese university. I can easily find out that in companies the dress code is relatively formal compared to my country, but is it the same for researches/teachers at university? Here in Finland T-shirt and shorts are okay even for a professor. Just want to know before going there to be prepared, because I am worried that in Japan it is hard to find perfect fit clothes for a person with my height. I remember how hard it was to find good size clothes even here in Finland 10-or-so years ago, when the average height of the population was lower.

 

[Glenski]

What sort of "research visit" are you talking about? What department? Look up homepages of the profs you're going to visit, and their pics will pretty much show you what is acceptable.

Generally speaking, if you're here for the sciences, don't sweat suits. And, if the visit is short, you probably won't need to buy clothes anyway.

 

[Davey]

Your visiting, and want to make a good impression as well. Not sure how long you will stay there, but for the first day(s) I would go for business casual, play it safe.

You can always bring some extra clothes with you. Will you go during summer time? and for how long will you stay?

 

[Belgarion]

Thanks for the replies. My apologizes, I guess I didn't give enough info

I will be staying there for one year, and will work under relatively young professor as a post doctoral researcher. The funding comes from Japanese foundation, so I will really be working in a local research group there.

I will go in beginning of September, so it'll be still very hot compared to what I'm used to... with my T-shirt and shorts. October temperature seems to be around the maximum what I'm used to.

 

[Glenski]

Post docs never see the light of day. If you don't have any teaching responsibilities, pack a suit coat and a pair of good pant plus two ties, and wear it on the right occasions. Ask what others wear.