It has become December so fast while I have visited customers every month.

This business term from October, I planned to visit customers in Japan, US and Europe every month.

But truly you can say “It is easier said than done.” To practice this plan is not so easy.

Large sum of travel expenses, Crowded schedule, language barrier, Jet lag, ...

There are many difficulties and troubles that I never dreamed of.

While visiting Asian, American and European customers, I have noticed the differences in wears.

Most of customers are going to work using casual wears. Nobody is wearing suits.

Also suppliers visiting these sites were in casual wears too.
A manager of a listed company in Europe was wearing jeans and jacket when I met him.

He looks very nice and natural in the office.

We take it for granted to wear business suits in the office like most of Japanese companies do,

but I gradually come to think that "Business Casual" may be a global standard.

Recently even in our Japanese customers, persons who is working in casual wears are increasing. 

Several years ago there was a movement in Japan to wear "Business Casual" on Friday,

this seems to expand and spread on other days of the week. 

There was also the government recomenndation of "Warm Biz”, it was a good chance to consider 

and examine about business wears. We have discussed about that in our general affairs department

and they has announced the outline of business wears as follows .

    Casual jackets, sweaters, or cardigan wears are accepted.

    However when visiting customers especially for complains, a business suit is indispensable.

    During the meeting with customer, Yamashin employees must wear a tie

    During the meeting with suppliers, a high neck or crew bottle neck sweater are accepted and

    tie is not requested.

    It is accepted to wear a sweater with a suits. However tie should be prepared.

    During an emergency customer meeting, casual jacket may be accepted, however

    it is not acceptable to visit customer with casual jackets, sweaters or cardigan wears.

    Female office personnel may wear suits(include pants suits) or uniform wears.

    Jeans or chino pants are unacceptable.

    Same as before business shoes are a must (can visit customer).

Though it may not fit well, we will try this outline for the time being,.

There are many arguments about wears but I think what is important is to have a sense of selecting

suitable and proper wears according to the TPO(Time, Place, Occasion).

Japan has the second largest economy in the world in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP),

next to the United States. And also Japan is the candidate for the permanent member of the

Security Council of the United Nations.

I think Japanese society was fully matured and has sufficient international common sense.

The time has come when we graduate from wearing uniforms.

Furthermore there are wonderful traditional cultures in Japan like "The Tea Ceremony" and

"The Art of Flower Arrangement". We have grown up under the influence of traditional cultures.

I think it is wonderful if the grace, beauty and dignity are comes out from his/her refined wears,

actions, and speech in daily casual life.

Now I'm expecting a matured international common sense to each Yamashin-filter employees.