Tokyo’s regional government has officially authorized employees to wear shorts, polo shirts, and sneakers in the office, marking a significant departure from decades of rigid professional attire in Japan. This policy shift, part of the “Cool Biz” energy-saving program, responds to record-breaking summer temperatures that have repeatedly exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in recent years.
The Evolution of Japan’s “Cool Biz” Strategy
The “Cool Biz” initiative, first launched in 2005, originally encouraged workers to ditch neckties and suit jackets to reduce reliance on air conditioning. Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike announced the latest expansion of the dress code this spring, citing both rising electricity consumption and the increasing frequency of extreme heatwaves. The Japan Meteorological Agency has even introduced a new classification for days exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, labeling them “cruelly hot days.”
For veteran employees, the transition has been stark. Noboru Watanabe, a Tokyo government worker who spent 30 years in formal business attire, noted that while he initially felt “embarrassed” to show his legs in a professional setting, the physical relief provided by the shorts was immediate. Takuya Ozawa, another government official, told The Japan Times that the change has made commuting and office life significantly more bearable during the height of the summer.
Navigating the “Sune-hara” Debate
The move toward casual office wear has ignited a broader social debate regarding gender expectations and workplace etiquette. According to The New York Times, some critics argue that the policy highlights a persistent double standard. While men are gaining new freedoms, many women remain bound by traditional expectations to wear stockings or longer skirts.
Real estate agent Sachie Koike, 52, told The Japan Times that she views shorts as leisure wear, adding that she does not find hairy legs to be appropriate for a professional office setting.
Corporate Responses and Market Shifts
While the Tokyo government is leading the change, the private sector remains divided. Younger professionals, such as 30-year-old marketing worker Takayuki Deguchi, view the flexibility as a positive step, even if their own firms continue to mandate formal suits.
Clothing manufacturers have been quick to adapt to the new demand for “formal shorts.” Yofuku no Aoyama, a major Japanese clothing retailer, has begun marketing summer business wear designed specifically for these conditions. Company spokesperson Juju Hamanowa explained to The Japan Times that the firm conducted rigorous testing on the cut and length of these garments to ensure they maintain a professional appearance while sitting, specifically limiting the amount of exposed skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the “Cool Biz” program?
Cool Biz is a Japanese government campaign initiated in 2005 that encourages offices to use lighter, more breathable professional attire to conserve energy.
Are shorts now acceptable in all Japanese offices?
No. The relaxation of the dress code currently applies to the Tokyo regional government. Many private companies maintain their own internal regulations, which often still require formal business attire.
Why is there controversy over the new dress code?
The controversy stems from concerns over professional appearance and perceived gender inequalities. Critics point to the term “sune-hara” (leg harassment) regarding men’s legs, and others argue that women are still held to stricter grooming and clothing standards than men.
How do you feel about the shift toward casual attire in the workplace? Does your office have a policy on summer wear? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on global workplace trends.