If you’re visiting Japan in summer, you might be tempted to wear the kinds of revealing outfits that are considered stylish and normal in many Western countries—cleavage-baring tops, no bra, ultra-short shorts that show the bottom of your buttocks. But in Japan, these styles can be controversial and even dangerous in ways you might not expect.
“No One Will Say Anything” Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe
In Japanese culture, it’s rare for someone to comment directly on another person’s clothing in public. However, silence shouldn’t be mistaken for approval. In fact, criticism often comes more from women than men—a reflection of Japan’s cultural emphasis on social harmony and modesty, especially in shared public spaces.
There’s also a very real safety concern. In 2023, over 4,700 cases of voyeurism (secret filming) were officially reported to the Japanese police. That’s only the number of people caught—the actual number of incidents is likely much higher, including cases where victims never noticed or never reported the crime.
Accidents That Become Permanent
Some people might think, “So what if someone sees a bit of cleavage?” But in Japan, crimes often involve catching private moments—like a quick glimpse down your top when you lean forward or an accidental flash of underwear when sitting in a short skirt. Even leggings, which are normal in some Western countries for everyday wear, are a hot topic here.
These moments can be secretly filmed, and the footage—complete with your face—may be shared on social media, anonymous forums, or private online communities without your knowledge. Once something like that is online, it’s nearly impossible to erase. The emotional damage can be deep and lasting.
Young women and especially minors should be extra cautious. There have been numerous incidents in Japan involving predatory individuals secretly filming female track and field athletes in skimpy uniforms from inappropriate angles. It’s a serious issue that continues to make headlines.
Shirtless Men? Not Necessarily Harmless
Japan’s summer heat is intense, and going shirtless may seem like a harmless choice. But in public spaces, doing so could violate Japan’s Misdemeanor Law—even if you’re not immediately arrested. It can lead to police questioning (called shokumu shitsumon) and unpleasant encounters.
To stay out of trouble, we strongly recommend sticking to lightweight t-shirts or tank tops. You’ll stay cool while also respecting local expectations.
Wearing Yukata or Kimono Incorrectly Can Be Worse Than Showing Skin
Many visitors enjoy wearing traditional Japanese clothing like yukata or kimono. However, wearing them incorrectly can actually be seen as more offensive than wearing revealing Western clothes.
Examples include letting the neckline fall too far back, exposing too much of the nape (a part of the body considered sensual in Japan), or letting the chest area hang open. In traditional aesthetics, suggestion and balance are key—too much exposure is considered vulgar rather than attractive.
What Japanese People Are Saying Online About Revealing Clothing Worn by Foreign Tourists
Japan has long had its own standards of modesty and public decorum, especially when it comes to clothing. As more foreign tourists arrive each year, particularly in the summer months, cultural differences in dress often become a hot topic online.
Here’s a compilation of 19 real comments from Japanese users on platforms like Yahoo! Chiebukuro, reflecting a wide range of opinions—from surprise and discomfort to curiosity and cultural analysis.
Comment 1 (July 19, 2023)
This might be a biased opinion, but I feel that foreign tourists often wear very revealing clothing in summer, like tank tops and camisoles, and down jackets in winter.
For example, why do people in Japan not walk around in jeans and short sleeves in the winter, or thick sweaters even in cold weather?
Even in spring and autumn, some foreigners wear extreme clothing—either super light or super heavy. Why is that?
I don’t dislike it; I just find it puzzling.
Comment 2 (August 8, 2023)
I often see foreign women walking around in just thin camisoles.
It feels indecent to me. Is something wrong with me for thinking that?
Could I even date someone like that?
Comment 3 (September 24, 2022)
Don’t people overseas care if their bras are showing?
In Shibuya, I sometimes see foreign women with open-back clothes and fully visible bra hooks and tags.
Is that just a cultural difference?
Comment 4 (November 27, 2021)
Westerners often wear casual outfits like camisoles, tank tops, T-shirts, and shorts.
Compared to Japanese people, they don’t seem concerned about looking polished.
I actually admire that relaxed and natural style.
Comment 5 (July 14, 2023)
Foreign tourists in Japan often wear camisoles and mini shorts—very sexy clothing.
It made me wonder: is Japan the only country where there’s a social rule about not showing your underwear?
Comment 6 (Best Answer, July 14, 2023)
Asian women generally dislike their underwear being visible, and when they see others with it showing, they often react with “oh no, look at her.”
In Vietnam and Thailand, even school uniforms are designed to prevent see-through clothing.
Not showing underwear is the norm across Asia. Even in the West, teens don’t usually show their bras to boys.
If someone says, “she enjoys being seen,” that’s a red flag.
Comment 7 (July 15, 2023)
It’s probably because Japan is so hot that foreign tourists dress like that.
Overseas, wearing a camisole with visible bra straps is normal and not considered shameful.
Comment 8 (July 14, 2023)
In the summer, bras and camisoles often become visible through clothing.
It seems like both wearers and viewers enjoy the see-through aspect.
A French girl once told me, “If you can see my bra strap, that means I’m wearing one, right?”
Just wearing a camisole and shorts doesn’t make something “sexy.” It depends on how it’s worn.
Comment 9 (Best Answer, July 18, 2024)
In Tokyo, you often see foreign tourists.
Even in tank tops, they lean forward or lift their arms. Some blouses are unbuttoned so low that you can see their chest.
It’s honestly troubling.
It’s often said that Japanese women hide their chest, while Western women hide their lower half.
In the West, breasts aren’t seen as sexualized the same way.
They rarely wear makeup or skirts either. That’s probably why they don’t feel the need to “act like women.”
Comment 10 (July 17, 2014)
I saw a foreign woman (30s?) on the subway wearing just a tank top with no bra during Kyoto’s Gion Festival.
I was shocked.
You do see this occasionally in Kyoto summers. Maybe she was European? They don’t seem to mind going braless.
Comment 11 (July 18, 2024)
I’ve seen many foreign women walking around braless, breasts swaying, with visible cleavage and side boob.
Compared to Japanese women, they seem less concerned about breast aesthetics.
That’s why they don’t mind sagging or natural shapes.
Comment 12 (July 17, 2014)
People say Japanese take peace and water for granted, and I’d add “sunbathing” too.
In Europe, people crave sunlight.
Beaches in France or Spain are full of topless women. No one really stares.
When Europeans visit Kyoto in 30+°C heat, they act like they’re still on vacation.
But still, travelers should try to match local norms.
Comment 13 (October 6, 2021)
I don’t know why, but in Europe, toplessness is culturally accepted.
In Asia, people more freely show their thighs instead.
Western prostitutes emphasize legs, while Asian ones emphasize cleavage.
From a Muslim perspective, even showing your face is shocking.
A friend told me that after living abroad, seeing cleavage stopped being exciting—until they returned to Japan.
Comment 14 (October 5, 2021)
Why don’t foreigners wear bras?
I’m a Japanese student studying in Eastern Europe. I often see French and Italian students not wearing bras, and it makes me anxious.
I wonder if there’s a cultural norm in Europe where bras aren’t expected.
Comment 15 (October 6, 2021)
For women, not wearing a bra is simply more comfortable.
In the U.S., people don’t stare like they do in Japan.
And if a man does stare, he’d probably get yelled at.
In hot weather, women wear tank tops and dresses without bras.
It’s just normal there.
Comment 16 (April 10, 2022)
As a woman, I understand how painful bras can be.
Still, I try to wear loose clothing that hides the shape of my body if I’m not wearing one.
I think the idea is not to show off, but just not to care if something is visible.
I’ve seen foreign women on the beach with visible underwear many times.
Comment 17 (April 10, 2022)
In countries that emphasize gender equality, people don’t seem to care.
Even if swimsuit outlines are clearly visible, they don’t seem bothered.
Comment 18 (April 10, 2022)
I’m Japanese, and even in my teens, I could never wear revealing swimsuits like bikinis.
I was too embarrassed.
Westerners seem to have a different mindset.
I’ve heard they often reveal the upper body (like cleavage), but cover the lower half.
In Japan, even high school girls sometimes wear miniskirts while covering their chest.
Comment 19 (April 10, 2022)
I hear that foreigners don’t care even if their nipples are visible.
It’s probably just seen as a way to gauge breast size.
Since nipples are natural, there’s no need to hide them.
In contrast, Japan tends to hide both chest and legs.
Interestingly, in many countries, Japanese-style schoolgirl miniskirts are seen as something prostitutes wear.
It’s just a cultural difference.
Japanese Preferences For Outfits
If you want some advice on what to wear and what not to wear directly from Japanese people, here are three articles that might help. Feel free to use the default browser translator to read these.
“What’s that? Are you showing it on purpose? The “vulgar-looking outfits” that turn off men.”
“What men really think! 4 types of clothes they really don’t want their girlfriends to wear”
Final Thoughts: Respect Fashion Freedom, but Be Smart
We believe in fashion freedom and the right to express yourself through style. But when traveling in Japan, it’s important to balance that freedom with an understanding of local culture and real safety risks.
Especially in crowded tourist areas or on public transport, just a little extra awareness can go a long way—not only in keeping yourself safe, but also in showing respect to your host country.
After all, travel is about learning, understanding, and sharing. And what you wear can be a surprisingly powerful part of that experience.
