The weather forecast for the day was 31 degrees Celsius. This translates to approximately 88 degrees Fahrenheit, without taking into account the intense humidity of Japan. Not only was it unbearably hot and sunny, but my clothes stuck to my body, making me ready for a second shower in an hour.

I knew full well that today was going to be another hot day in Tokyo, but I still pulled on jeans, socks, and shoes in the beginning of the day.

I wanted nothing more than to wear thin shorts and flip flops to keep myself cool and comfortable throughout the day, but instead copied the Japanese. I chose style over my own comfort, and tried to fit in with the current trends.

For men, jeans and shoes are a must-have. There are crazier styles, involving tight black jeans and vests worn over shirts, but the majority of the population wears pants that cover their legs, and shoes that cover their feet. For one, the Japanese are more used to the heat and are comfortable wearing clothes that cover the body. Also, showing leg or foot skin is a sign of informality.

While I feel comfortable wearing shorts in the States, I couldn’t imagine going out to a dinner and not wearing long pants.

There is more to “fitting in” than wearing the current style trends. You don’t need to wear expensive jeans and brand-name shoes; however, you do need to respect other countries’ cultures.

The citizens of some countries may be offended by women wearing tank tops or men wearing flip flops. There might be a modesty issue, or it may just be unusual. Either way, if what you are wearing is offensive, for whatever reason, you must comply to their social standards.

Luckily for me, Japan, for the most part, is not one of those countries. I would most likely not upset anyone in Tokyo by wearing shorts and sandals. Yet I continue to suffer through the hot days in jeans and shoes because it is important for me to fit in.

Tourists in Japan can be quickly spotted by their skin color, possession of a map, or their shorts and Tevas. No one wears shorts except for the young toddlers following their parents.

I consider myself more than a tourist. Yes, I am a foreigner, and yes, I barely speak Japanese, but I am living in the country and experiencing the daily life of the Japanese. Sometimes I travel to the tourist hot-spots, but on most days, I take the train to work, eat at a non-conspicuous restaurant, and live in my own apartment. As “something-more-than-a-tourist”, I feel compelled to dress to Japanese standards.

Of course, people can only do so much. Everyone has their own personal limits, and crossing those for someone else’s culture will only bring misery.

It is okay to suffer the weather in incubating clothes, but if just the idea of donning a black jacket and high heels is already starting to give you a headache, think twice. Respect others’ cultures, but keep yourself safe. If you know that you have a weakness to heat, or cold, wear whatever will keep you the most comfortable.

Of course, tourists will often bring the wrong set of clothes to foreign countries. If you feel compelled to dress in pants instead of wearing shorts, don’t hesitate to shop at the various stores. Any store will do, and if the store is in a downtown area, the staff will most likely speak basic English. If you really want to know the current styles, research before you board the plane. Websites like Style Arena show photographs of real people in the popular areas of Tokyo.

There is a fine line between style and comfort. Ultimately, people should dress in a non-offensive manner, without impeding their own safety or standards.

I feel more comfortable in the confinement of jeans and shoes knowing that I am another step closer to dropping the “tourist” title and calling Japan my part-time home.