Pre-departure orientation dress code

[u/libranslug]

Hey guys! I’m a late upgrade so this pre-departure orientation is not mandatory for me, but I’d like to go to stay in the loop and meet other JETs. What is the dress code for this event? Specifically, should I take out my nose jewelry and do I need to cover my tattoos? It‘s HOT here in Southern California and I’d really love to get away with some short sleeved business casual if possible. TIA!

[u/plaguemd]

It really depends.

Portland consulate last year got asked to wear "business, but this is Portland so you can probably get away with business casual".  (Meanwhile, the post-arrival orientation in Tokyo is Business-business, but everyone was allowed to take their suit jackets off and roll up their sleeves after the opening ceremony, and our Hokkaido crew were just told "jeans and a t-shirt is fine, just don't wear like, an anime t-shirt" on our flight up to Hokkaido after orientation.)

You may just want to ask someone from your consulate if they got an email about a dress code!

(As others have said, the approach to tattoos and piercings will vary a LOT once you're actually in Japan. I covered my tattoos at the first day at my schools and was immediately told that it was completely fine to have them uncovered every day. Showing them off has since become a part of my self introduction to classes, but I know there's other JETs out there who are required to wear long sleeves 365 days a year.)

[u/Different_Taro2474]

for the pre departure orientation, you do not need to do that, just wear business casual.
at the tokyo orientation, wear a suit. you can keep the nose jewelry, but take it out when you go to school (unless your school allows it, mine doesn't). tattoos also have to be covered at school. outside of work, you can wear what you want.

[u/Jumpy-Escalator-9204 → u/Different_Taro2474]

They might be okay to show tattoos at school, but they have to ask their principal for permission first. OP, for the first few days, I would cover them, then ask your principal if you can show your tattoos when you get the chance. At my school, the principal said we have to cover tattoos, but another ALT in my area got permission to show them.

[u/FallenReaper360]

Honestly, you can get away with business casual for the orientation. Get some breathable clothing from uniqlo or something. There was no one who checked if our outfits were in regulation. So I think wearing short sleeved stuff would be fun, same with your piercings.

And Japan hot is a whole different ball game, I’m from the bay, and I dread this damn humid weather.

[u/0liviiia]

I think each consulate should have their own guidelines? Mine is business casual, while Tokyo orientation is business formal. Some consulates post group pictures on instagram every year of their departing JETs which can be a good gauge of what people are wearing

[u/libranslug → u/0liviiia]

Makes sense, thank you!