Quiet Quitting in Japan

As COVID-19 has brought tremendous change to what we all knew as the ordinary work life, many trends have been adopted as the result of it. Over the years these trends have created what seems to be lasting changes that have created opportunities for new businesses, and for creating a better management of work-life balance. The newest of these trends is Quiet Quitting, a term that was popularized on the viral social media platform TikTok. Quiet Quitting is when employees work within defined work hours and engage solely in activities within those hours. They do not strive for promotions, take on extra work and keep a distinct boundary between their work and personal life, prioritizing their life outside of work. Although this concept has been seamlessly integrated by workers in the western world, centralized around millennials and Gen Z in the US, how has this translated over to countries that value high work ethic like Japan? 

Is Quiet Quitting happening in Japan? Meet the Yutori Generation

Surprisingly, a similar concept to Quiet Quitting, Tang Ping or “lying flat”, was popularized in China back in 2021. Conceptualized by Chinese workers that were burned out from poor management, and began prioritizing their physical and mental well-being. Even before the concept of Tang Ping and Quiet Quitting, the initial cultural shift of the Japanese outlook on society is said to have begun with the upbringing of the “Yutori Generation”, born between the late 1980s-early 2000s.

This generation was brought up with an educational system that was more lenient and student-oriented in order to foster a safer, less stressful school environment. Due to this, many people in older generations argue that the Yutori Generation lacks grit, motivation, and self-discipline. Although this is merely speculation and criticism, there is one thing the Yutori Generation has in common – they prioritize work life balance over all other generations, including Gen Z. In a survey conducted by All About, nearly 80% of workers in their 20’s were not interested in striving for or receiving a promotion. The main reasoning behind this was not wanting additional responsibilities and work at their employment. Other reasons included prioritizing work-life balance, a factor that many people in their 20’s already felt a connection to. As for the Gen Z of Japan, they strive for a work environment that is fun and stimulating but find socializing in workplace settings to be their greatest challenge. This could very well be due to the pandemic taking place during their first few years of employment. causing a great deal of stress and anxiety which may make striving for promotions and higher positions harder to imagine. On the other hand, Gen Z and millennials partaking in Quiet Quitting in the west have done so due to burnout caused by poor management.   

Will Quiet Quitting stay or will it fade?

The possibility of Quiet Quitting being adopted in Japan is a curious concept as tradition and culture often seem to be set in stone, especially in the work scene. Many articles in Japan have explored Quiet Quitting and how it would impact the company and those within it when one partakes in this concept. In an article by Kind’s Service, a human resource service company in Japan, they debate whether people who practice Quiet Quitting are truly happy, explaining how true happiness comes from the appraisal of others and feeling useful, and with Quiet Quitting one will never feel self-fulfillment by only doing the bare minimum at their workplace. With how integrated and delicate many company roles are, when one person only does their necessary tasks, the burden is placed on another worker, ultimately resulting in a troubling situation for the entire company. The potential of burdening another person, even if unintentional, is a cultural taboo especially in Japan and may be the sole reason that Quiet Quitting is not as popularized as it is in other countries. Other critics argue that Quiet Quitting does not resolve any issues and is only a temporary solution for one person. Although the idea may be pondered especially by those who are just entering the workforce, Quiet Quitting may bring flawed management and workplace systems into light which will help bring reform, but it is safe to assume that this will merely be a timely trend for now.

The center of Quiet Quitting appears to be the ability to juggle a healthy work-life balance, whether that entails a passion project, hobby, or spending time with loved ones. To all the Quiet Quitters or busy go-getters – whichever side of the coin you are on, it’s always important to set time aside to recharge and refresh before going into work the next day. Finding the right outfit for work every morning or finding time on your limited days off to drop off workwear at the dry cleaner can take away from those precious moments. Luckily, prioritizing on the things that count is in the kay me DNA. With 2-second office wear, work-to-bar dresses, and saying goodbye to fussy dry cleaner visits, spend that extra time on what you love to do the most!

How to Perfect the Business Casual Dress Code

With restrictions easing up around the world and cases falling, it is no surprise that more and more are making their way back into the office, adapting a new mindset not only in employees but companies too. After the past ‘pandemic-ridden’ years where the lines between work and life have been blurred, we see a new leaf turning in the dress codes in Japan where many companies are loosening their dress codes to be business casual, rather than strictly business.

More specifically, over 50% of Japanese women (in a survey of 464) noted that their workplace dress code was ‘business casual’ – but what exactly is business casual? We explore its defining factors as well as some tips and tricks in solving popular workwear dilemmas that women in Japan are facing.

Throughout the years, especially recently, the Japanese work environment has evolved at a rapid rate due to more efforts made towards SDGs and because of work life changes brought forth by COVID-19.

 ‘Cool Biz’ and its latter counterpart ‘Warm Biz’ are two campaigns with the concept of implementing more casual dress codes for summer and winter, introduced by Japan’s Environment Ministry. This meant people were finally able to wear short sleeves in the summer and sweaters in the winter, rather than the traditional suit and tie set-up. By simply tweaking the dress code to fit the seasons, many companies were able to cut their electricity bills typically used on AC units throughout the offices.

 With the COVID-19 pandemic, many businesses switched to remote working where dress codes became more comfort-central and casual, to even non-existent for days without video conferences. These concepts and more have pushed the idea of ‘business casual’ in Japan to be more popular and accepted by bigger companies. Although the definition of business casual varies with each business, here are a few rules that many Japanese women follow:

• Wearing neutral colors to not disturb the workplace atmosphere, with exception of the “50% rule” – avoiding outfits where more than half of the total coordinate consists of vibrant colors such as red and yellow.
• Avoiding overexposure of skin by covering decolletage, shoulders, and above the knees.
• Finding the right fit of clothing that is not too loose but not too tight where the bodyline is visible.
• Looking formal enough to feel confident meeting clients and attending conferences.

The Dress Code for Females, Image from Kyodo News PR Wire

Here are a few examples of popular business casual outfits based on a survey of 400 Japanese businesspeople around Tokyo, conducted by Monitas. D (Shirt + skirt or trousers) and E (dress) are the most prevalently seen amongst Japanese businesswomen in Tokyo, and G (casualwear) is the most popular style that they wish to see become more popular and accepted in the office. The list above is carefully followed with every single combination, including the use of muted colors and appropriate coverage for the workplace.

According to Biz Hits, the most popular workwear dilemma Japanese women are facing is the monotonousness and the lack of versatility of business wear, as well as the stress of having to coordinate a different outfit every day. Especially with the new ‘business casual’ implementation, more freedom means more choices, which may be a challenge at times.

Mix and match with a Mermaid Skirt

That’s why opting for a small selection of easy to mix-and-match pieces that offers versatility without raising eyebrows has become popular within the business casual scene. With nuanced color staples you can build multiple looks from, you can get the most out of the same item and save yourself time in the morning. For example, the kay me Midi Mermaid Skirt is the perfect companion to create business casual looks! By keeping the bottom of the outfit a neutral solid color like Khaki, it adds possibilities for what can be worn on top while both keeping the 50% rule and providing coverage down below the knees. For occasions that call for more formality, the skirt can be paired with its matching jacket for an instant suit-like appearance!

Khaki Midi Mermaid Skirt

Beige or Pink Mermaid Flare Skirt

For those looking to inject more color into their business casual style, opting for a light toned skirt like Beige with a colored top keeps the style fresh yet still sharp, or choosing Pink not only complements a range of skin tones but brings a soft and elegant hue to the office environment.

Easy, breezy with a Docking Dress

Another suggestion would be wearing docking dresses, which cuts the time of deciding an outfit without compromising versatility. Take our White x Gray Docking Twist Dress for example; this dress can be worn on its own, cutting decision-making time down to mere seconds. Throw over and button up a cardigan on top to transform the dress into a skirt-like appearance. And of course for unexpected guest visits or for presentation days, the dress can be coordinated with its matching jacket for an instant suit ensemble! Docking dresses are perfect for those looking for the ease and comfort of simply slipping into a dress with the appearance of a skirt and top. By coordinating the right outerwear for each occasion, docking dresses can drastically change their appearance from chic and intellectual to soft and welcoming!

White x Gray Docking Twist Dress

Sophie Faux-leather Docking Dress

Or for a dress with a casual-chic touch that plays with textures, our Sophie Faux-leather Docking Dress not only looks sharp, but makes getting ready in the morning even faster – simply slip in and zip up!

Add a splash with colored Pumps

Of course, another challenge that comes with dressing business casual is footwear. Even with the office dress code becoming more lenient and comfort-oriented, allowing flats and lower heels, many Japanese women still opt for heeled pumps for fashion and feeling more confident at work.  However, a concern that many women faced when wearing pumps was how tired and achy their feet became especially after a long day at work. To combat this without compromising the chic style pumps add to an outfit, we recommend pumps designed with extra cushioning and support, like our Puni Puni Pumps collection! Our lightweight pumps have been specially designed for comfortable support and features 10 times the amount of cushioning compared to other brands. Made specifically for working women in mind, these shoes will keep you feeling comfortable and fabulous from morning to night! Although our Puni Puni Pumps are available in 29 shades, why not venture from adding a splash of color to your ordinary business casual outfit to add subtle personality?

Puni Puni Pumps Collection

With the shift of workwear dress codes becoming more casual, it may seem intimidating at first to make sure you are not dressing too casual, or not enough. Crafting outfits with a larger range of freedom could be overwhelming at first so it’s always best to take inspiration from women around you, or even women you look up to. Here at kay me we wish to be there every step of the way as you step up to looking your best in business casual attire. With our incredible selection of clothing, shoes, and bags, you’ll find your unique business casual style in no time!

Timeless and Classic with a Twist: How to Wear Monochromatics for Summer

As summer peaks around the corner, many people are quick to switch out their wardrobe for bright, vibrant colors to signify the end of cold, gloomy winter. But what if colors aren’t your cup of tea, or doesn’t fit the TPO (Time, Place, Occasion)? Our solution is simple: stick with the timeless and classic combination of black and white, with a twist!

In this article we’ll explore three monochromatic kay me dresses and how you can transform your black and white outfits to be light, airy, and vibrant for the summer season.

Brighten up with White

Soft Riders Jacket

White Tailored Jacket

Soft Riders Jacket

What better way to look fresh and new for the summer season than with a touch of bright white? Add a white item to instantly lift the complexion of the outfit and effortlessly brighten the look! This also helps to pull out the lighter shades in your monochromatic look and adds a crisp finish that ties the look together. Our Black Herringbone Cache-Coeur Ribbon Dress is the perfect match for any white jacket, featuring a chic and classical monochrome herringbone print complemented by a black ribbon tie at the waistline. The white jacket lifts the heaviness of the black used in the dress, creating a perfectly harmonious balance without straying from the monochromatic spectrum.

Black Herringbone Cache-Coeur Ribbon Dress

Create Harmony with Earthy Tones

Ivory Beige Stretch Riders Jacket

Champagne Gold Crew-neck Cardigan

Light Beige Kanazawa Side-slit Cardigan

Bring roundness to the sharp edge of monochromatic items by pairing them with a soft earth tone such as beige or greige, or gray. By softening the color palette with the introduction of earth tones, the look becomes effortlessly lightweight, perfect for the warmer months. To take this method a step further, we recommend finding a monochromatic item that includes a touch of earth tones, such as our Classical Flower dresses that incorporate a light tone of beige. Our newly introduced Classical Flower print features delicately drawn flowers with detailed hand-drawn strokes of a pen. This pattern is the perfect mix of elegant and versatile, and can be dressed up or down to fit any occasion! Pair this dress with our Kanazawa-made cardigan for additional softness that comes from the luxurious knitting. By adding a knitted item on top the monochromatic sharpness is softened further with the textured fibers.

Classical Flower Series

Add a Juicy Pop of Color

Red V-neck Cardigan

Red V-neck Cardigan

Yellow Fresh Cardigan

For those daring to be a bit more bold, adding a pop of color to your monochromatic look is the perfect way to celebrate the warmer, brighter months of summer! From fiery red to cheery yellow, kay me’s wide selection of colorful cardigans and items are sure to pair gorgeously with any monochromatic look. Our new Giraffe Geo print takes a chic and modern approach to monochrome prints by incorporating a giraffe print-like geometric pattern in black and brown with an accent of white highlight. By adding an additional pop of color with monochromatic prints, such as our Giraffe Geo series, the color appears more vibrant and fresh than it would on its own. To bring cohesive harmony to the look, focus on just one additional color to incorporate with your accessorization from head to toe, whether adding a bold accent color such as red or something more subtle like champagne pink!

Giraffe Series

Monochromatic prints are timeless classics that never go out of style and are ideal for any occasion, whether for business, leisure, or even special occasions. At kay me we have a wide array of monochrome dresses, from simple solid items to intricate floral or geometric prints. Our newly added prints, Herringbone, Classical Flower, and Giraffe Geo, take an updated modern twist on the traditional monochrome with the use of unique geometric shapes and hand-drawn flowers, only available at kay me. View our entire dress collection today on our website and don’t forget to use our new Dress Filter feature in order to find your perfect monochrome dress!

Being a Woman Entrepreneur in Japan

Entrepreneurship can come with many challenges, especially as women who continue to face adversities in the world of business. Though this is a global challenge, women in Japan are especially hindered by the gender gap present in the workplace. Despite being a country known for its progressive innovations and technological advancements, Japan placed 120th in World Economic Forum’s ‘The Global Gender Gap Report 2021’, 10 ranks down from 2019, speculated as the result of COVID-19. Despite the setbacks, female entrepreneurship has begun growing at a rapid rate in the past few years, especially in Japan.

The largest issue that seems to be present in pursuing female entrepreneurship in Japan is the lack of mentorship and networking opportunities that women are able to participate in. Aside from the business world globally being catered towards men, women in Japan are entrusted with the responsibility of childcare, domestic chores, and nursing their elderly parents. The result of these three factors creates a challenging environment for women in Japan to pursue entrepreneurship. During an interview with Japan Times, Mizuki Nakajima, CEO of coly Inc. explained how “Female entrepreneurs face hurdles as there are few female seniors whom they can consult about starting and operating businesses”. In order to combat this issue, many successful female CEOs have started up organizations and communities in order to provide mentorship and guidance to upcoming female entrepreneurs.

Women in Law Japan (WILJ), an example of one of these organizations, is a platform for women in legal professions to network in Japan. The importance of networking and building connections is shared with the president of WILJ, Catherine O’Connell, whom we’ve had the opportunity to interview in the past. Aside from starting Japan’s first lawyer-led legal podcast program, she also started her own boutique law firm in Tokyo, winning an Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2020. When asked for advice to share with kay me readers, O’Connell shared her three tips all centered around the most crucial aspect -networking. These three tips covered the value of every connection, the importance of maintaining connections without burning bridges, and stepping out of your comfort zone especially in the introductory stage.

Click here read about Catherine’s professional background as well as tips and tricks on networking:

Meet Catherine O’Connell, the “Lawpreneur” empowering women in law – Part 1

So where do you start with becoming an entrepreneur and networking in Japan? The first step is to dress for success and attend networking opportunities and events! As Catherine shares in the second part of the interview, dressing for work, especially in Japan, is a “mark of respect not only to ourselves but to the person we are meeting with or the event we are attending”. She even shared with us how in true, respectful fashion she makes sure to dress professionally from head to toe even during online video meetings even if the person on the other end cannot see the full outfit. 

Investing in a classic jacket and a matching skirt or trousers can create a number of looks that can be used for multiple networking events, whether in person or online. When networking in Japan, we recommend soft, timeless colors such as navy, beige, and gray. The kay me Double Jersey Beige Tailored Jacket pairs perfectly with its matching Wrap Skirt to create an effortless suit set. Dare to be a bit bold by wearing a patterned top inside the suit, or aim for a chic look with a solid colored blouse accented with colored accessories for a vibrant pop. As per Catherine’s advice on dressing for online meetings, no need to worry about comfort or wrinkles when seated in your kay me suit as all of our items are stretchy, wrinkle-resistant, and easy care!

To read more tips from Catherine on how to dress, and for an exciting glimpse into her personal life:

Meet Catherine O’Connell, the “Lawpreneur” empowering women in law – Part 2

How Working Women are Overcoming The Great Resignation

As we reach the second year mark of the initial impact of COVID-19, a global awakening, nicknamed ‘The Great Resignation’, has swept through the entire world in just these past few months. Millions have voluntarily quit their jobs in midst of the pandemic in hopes of better opportunities and fair work environments. This has quickly forced many companies to revise hourly wages, benefits, and other perks in order to attract potential employees. 

The demand of remote work

One ‘perk’ that many companies have made part of their working norm is remote working. First introduced in the beginning of the pandemic, many businesses temporarily closed their offices and shifted to the digital realm where employees quickly adjusted to the new work culture from the comfort of their homes. This new work style has become so important that according to Grow, “more than 1 in 5, 22%, said they would no longer consider working for an employer if work-from-home wasn’t an option”. This had a great impact on society and trends, especially fashion, where comfort became the priority of any everyday outfit. Many parted with their slacks and blazers and began dressing more casual in luxury ‘loungewear’, which according to Google Trends skyrocketed in searches by about 70% within April-December 2020 during the peak of the pandemic.

For days reserved for remote working, we recommend our Relax Wide Trousers, made especially with softness and comfort in mind. Pair it with any of our hoodies, made from the same Double Knit material, for optimum comfort and productivity! Although comfortable and soft as a cloud, these items have been designed and crafted to give the body gorgeous shape and dimension.

New meets old – hybrid working style

For the past two years, remote working has allowed women to balance and take control of their work life as well as their personal and family life. However, with many companies slowly beginning to open their office doors the work style that we have grown accustomed to has begun to morph once again, this time in the form of a ‘hybrid’ style. As employers observed the many benefits that came with remote working, companies have adopted the hybrid remote work style where employees have the freedom to choose days to work from home and at the office. According to a survey conducted by theSkimms, “two-thirds of millennial women say they believe they are missing opportunities by not being in the office, where they can discuss their career goals and development.” By implementing the hybrid work style, women will be able to be able to take control of their work and personal life and craft it to fit their needs.

So what will you wear to your first day back into the office? Nothing says you are naturally confident and ready to take on the new modern age like a pantsuit in pink! Equipped with shoulder pads, clean tailored lines and a silhouette designed to make you look taller, the perfect femme-chic suit should not only be empowering to wear but comfortable too – even for the home office. With stretch, machine washability and wrinkle resistance to make lives easier, it’s a no-brainer we want these always in our suits (and our suits are no exception).

Made from stretchy Double Cross material

See our Pantsuit range here

The pursuit of entrepreneurship

With many businesses opening their doors once again and having employees come into work, mothers and many women with special circumstances who cannot leave their homes, have begun considering different career options that allow them more flexibility, one of them being entrepreneurship. According to Legaljobs, “47% of women started a business in the last year, compared to 44% of men”. By pursuing entrepreneurship, many women have regained control of their schedule and work-life balance, being able to fully indulge in their career without the responsibility or pressure of coming into the office and worrying about their children being cared for.

For our entrepreneurs who are ready to take on the world, we recommend our sleek, Kanazawa Peplum Knit Jacket to polish off the look for quick meetings, whether online or in person, without compromising comfort. Made from soft, luxurious and sustainable TENCEL™ material, it’s not only beautiful on the body, but kind to the planet. Choose from black or white to mix and match easily with your wardrobe! All kay me clothing items even our knitwear are of course machine-wash safe to ensure more freedom for your work and personal life without having to worry about visiting the dry cleaners!

Clean and crisp in white

Versatile for any business scene

Everything at kay me is lovingly made in Japan, with free worldwide delivery. For more lifestyle solutions, visit our online store today.