Job Discussion Forums

sidneymorris · Joined: 17 Jan 2004 Posts: 8

hi. i think i'm going to be teaching in a Japanese highschool next year. i'm currently teaching at private schools in korea and can wear whatever i want really. what's the score in Japan? suit and tie?

i've heard it's ok to wear tracksuits/runningsuits... is this forreal??

anyway, what does everybody reccomend? should i stock up on cheap korean dress suits or cheap korean leisuresuits?

thanks for any advice.

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

I have taught in two private schools. The male teachers, including the gym teachers wear suits every day. Err on the side of over cautious.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

In both Jr. Highs where I teach, attire has ranged anywhere from: head-to-toe spandex (he rides a racing bike to work every day and chain-smokes) to track suits, to business casual, to full suits and ties.

I prefer to look respectable -- i.e. shirt and tie. ALWAYS. Even in the summer. But I DO take my cues from the kocho sensei and kyoto sensei. They always wear shirt & tie -- but it's considered unprofessional to not adhere to the "dress code" that accompanies that.... Twice a year, we switch from short to long sleeves and vice-versa... And it's important to know when that happens. On the same day, all the students change from summer to winter uniforms (and vice-versa).

In a world where it's difficult enough as it is to have respect as a foreign teacher, I do my best to look sharp and appear well-groomed because I think it reflects on the way people view me and my behavior.... Smile

But, in the end, you will probably find that it's up to you -- within reason. If you came to work wearing a sweat suit, you'd probably match with up to 25% of the school's teachers on any given day...

Nismo · Joined: 27 Jul 2004 Posts: 520

I have yet to meet anyone (in person) who can teach in tracky dacks at their school. Everyone I know is required to wear business attire: suit, collared shirt, tie, leather shoes. Regardless of season, too. If it is the dead middle of summer at peak humidity and heat, everyone is still in their suit (although most only wear their jackets walking into and out of the school, then it comes off).

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Athletic coaches can get away with casual clothes on the days they are on the field, but even at my private HS, they don't do that UNLESS they are on the field at that moment. The coaches otherwise wear what everyone else does... suits and ties, or button shirts, slacks, and ties.

Part-time foreign teachers get away without ties, but nobody (NOBODY) comes to work in jeans and sandals (unless it's a day off or a cleaning day).

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Athletic coaches can get away with casual clothes on the days they are on the field, but even at my private HS, they don't do that UNLESS they are on the field at that moment. The coaches otherwise wear what everyone else does... suits and ties, or button shirts, slacks, and ties.

Part-time foreign teachers get away without ties, but nobody (NOBODY) comes to work in jeans and sandals (unless it's a day off or a cleaning day).

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

Athletic coaches can get away with casual clothes on the days they are on the field, but even at my private HS, they don't do that UNLESS they are on the field at that moment. The coaches otherwise wear what everyone else does... suits and ties, or button shirts, slacks, and ties.

Part-time foreign teachers get away without ties, but nobody (NOBODY) comes to work in jeans and sandals (unless it's a day off or a cleaning day).

Mike L. · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 519

Basically in japan they want you to play "company man" more than anything!

Unfortunatly, everything else is secondary!

Just watch the behaviour of your Jpanese co-workers. They are often more sallaryman than teacher.

Regardless, on your first day dress formally...

Big John Stud · Joined: 07 Oct 2004 Posts: 513

[quote="sidneymorris"]hi. i think i'm going to be teaching in a Japanese highschool next year. i'm currently teaching at private schools in korea and can wear whatever i want really. what's the score in Japan? suit and tie?

i've heard it's ok to wear tracksuits/runningsuits... is this forreal??

anyway, what does everybody reccomend? should i stock up on cheap korean dress suits or cheap korean leisuresuits?

thanks for any advice.[/quote]

In Japan the private schools are sometimes more formal. But even the public schools have various dress codes. I teach at one school that requires me to teach barefooted. On cold days like today, my feet get really cold.