The Japanese use clothing and uniforms in a unique and historically based manner that demonstrates loyalty, respect for shared goals and "wa".
Marubeni Magazine: [D]ress is an important part of Japanese culture and history and the embarrassment of being dressed inappropriately, like in other societies, can be intense. This is why it is common in Japan to think in terms of the acronym TPO: Time, Place, Occasion. If one's dress is appropriate to these three things, the chances of embarrassment are significantly lessened. Times are changing and the rules are not as strong as they were, but it is likely that due to a history that values appropriate dress and due to the custom of looking to those of high rank as good examples of TPO, the rules will remain important in Japan......more...
