I'm an entrepreneur working in Japan. The office culture has reshaped how I think about dressing for work.

Fernando Lira

Provided by Fernando Lira

• Fernando Lira is a 35-year-old Dutch entrepreneur who originally moved to Fukuoka to learn Japanese.
• Working inside Japanese offices reshaped how he understands professional dress, hierarchy, and credibility.
• He says Japan is incredible once you learn to coexist.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Fernando Lira, 35, CEO of JML Group in Japan. His words have been edited for length and clarity.

I didn't move to Japan thinking about fashion ...