Japanese people don't wear shorts

I think this was more noticeable when I first arrived back in August and it was probably in the 90s with high humidity almost every day (i.e., similar to what you would experience in Texas or other areas of the South this time of year). And it is also likely influenced by the fact that we are in Tokyo and in one of the more expensive areas of Tokyo to live (Roppongi), so the typical Japanese citizen that we see is probably better dressed anyway.

But just strolling around on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, you will see very few people wearing shorts of any kind. And then when you do see someone wearing shorts, they are most likely other expatriates (primarily Brits). The Japanese will typically be wearing some variety of designer jeans or something similar, but very few shorts. Perhaps it goes along with the lack of sensible shoes (as Jenn mentioned below). But it’s odd given how hot it was here. Even in Nikko this past weekend where we probably walked 6 miles up and down hills in mid-80s temperatures, there was hardly anyone wearing shorts.

If I don’t have to, I don’t wear anything other than shorts in weather like that. I think we’ve quickly gotten over the fact that we are normally underdressed most places that we go around here… doing our best to uphold the image of the ugly Americans.