April is the beginning of the new work season in Japan, and many college graduates are starting their first full-time jobs. The standard uniform for a first-year employee at a traditional Japanese company is the simple: a conservative black suit and some black shoes. During this time of year, we see this look everywhere as people go through their first three months of training.
However, April is also the month when the older workers who have made it to their second-year can leave behind their black suits and start wearing more individual colors and styles. Of course navy and grey suits are still popular, but this year I have been seeing a lot of pastel colors, bright blues, and dark greens.
I saw this gentlemen in a cafe during the lunchtime rush. He was wearing a green suit with a maroon pocket square. His tie had a pebble pattern with lots of grey and orange undertones. He also wore brown loafers and no socks. While he waited impatiently for his colleague to settle the bill, I noticed he was glancing at his beautiful, but simple, gold colored watch. I was too far away to see the brand but I liked the way the gold offset the green. Sometimes the right accessory can make the whole look.
This man was wearing a bright blue suit made out of a slightly shiny material (possibly mohair? It’s a popular choice for spring/ summer suits given how cool it wears). This bright blue color is very popular with young businessmen at the moment. He was wearing a simple, grey striped shirt underneath, and as he unbuttoned his jacket to sit down, I noticed the shirt didn’t have a chest pocket. I’ve always preferred shirts with no pockets myself – it just feels nicer and less bulky, especially if you carry your wallet in your jacket’s interior pocket. Something else that seems to be a trend this season: young men with mustaches, and this man looked really good in his.
This man was part of the staff in Tomorrowland, so I assume he’s wearing a Tomorrowland suit. I liked his classic, well-groomed hairstyle and three-piece suit. A lot of men are wearing vests under their suits these days, especially in a contrasting color. This man’s suit was in a really handsome dark grey that almost appeared blue when he walked under certain lights. The vest underneath was navy and he wore it with a bright blue tie and pocket square. Again, loafers and no socks. His pants were the shortest I’ve seen in this style, but it looked nice.
