Fashion in Tokyo

Aside from the well-known politeness of Japanese people—which I also discussed in my previous blog post—their fashion sense is another standout feature. Imagine being in Tokyo, wearing an outfit that makes you feel on top of the world. But then you step out onto the streets and see an endless parade of style—from ultra-modern ensembles to quirky, boundary-pushing looks—and you can’t help but laugh at your own wardrobe. Kidding, of course!

I once asked my JTE why Japanese people, especially in big cities, have such an enviable sense of style. She replied,

“In Japanese culture, people are expected to present a positive attitude, and dressing well is one of the main ways to achieve that since appearance is often the first thing others notice.”

Her simple explanation left me nodding in agreement: maybe that’s exactly why.

It’s fascinating how diverse the styles can be. From the baggiest jeans and colorful mismatched outfits to the sleek all-black aesthetic and everything in between—some trends even defy easy categorization. In my opinion, the Japanese love to experiment with fashion. I’m no expert, but there’s something undeniably appealing about the creative risks they take.

One aspect I truly admire is how their style shatters traditional gender norms. For instance, you rarely see toxic masculinity; instead, even men confidently wear pink and embrace a softer, more expressive side of themselves. And on the flip side, women sometimes sport traditionally masculine attire. Fashion in Japan seems to flow freely between genders, celebrating individuality and self-expression.

Over time, I’ve learned a thing or two about dressing well. Sure, my wardrobe might still be a random mix of whatever catches my eye, but like many of us, I dream of elevating my style. Fashion isn’t just about clothes—it’s a confidence booster. When you look good, you feel good. It might sound cliché, but sometimes clichés hold a kernel of truth.