Your flight is booked, hotel reservation confirmed, agenda printed out and business meetings arranged. You’re off to Tokyo for your first taste of a Japanese business trip but you aren’t quite sure what to pack.
A business trip to Tokyo can present many tricky questions. First, take some time to learn a few tips on Japanese business etiquette (always wait for your host to offer you a seat at the meeting table, never flick or slide your business card and don’t blow your nose in public, for instance). Second, make sure you are dressed appropriately for the whole trip with a few select Knot Standard pieces.
First, pack one quality, bespoke suit tailored just for you. Choose a charcoal grey or navy single breasted, two or three button men’s suit. We highly recommend the Classic Gunmetal Grey Men’s Suit. Classic and conservative, the finely crafted Classic Gunmetal Grey suit will hit the right note of formality and sophistication. Ratchet up the style quotient by adding on a six button waistcoat (vest).
Second, you’ll need three dress shirts, preferably two classic White and a classic light blue.
Three ties and three pocket squares. Choose conservative solid colored or textured ties that look elegant but don’t stand out. The Navy and Polka Dot works well for daytime and after work business dinners. Pocket squares should be muted, single colors like light blue or blue pinstriped.
Fourth, choose formal dark colored shoes and make sure they are shined and polished properly. The Japanese will not take seriously a business proposition presented by someone they deem slovenly.
Fifth and finally, pack an extra blazer or sport coat. We suggest the Classic Navy Blazer. It will work well with grey trousers and can be worn for any out of office tourism or sightseeing in the event your hosts decide to offer you a treat.