Japan's Labour Ministry Encourages Casual Workplace Attire Amid Rising Summer Temperatures

Tokyo Takes Heat Off with Loosened Dress Code Amid Energy Crisis

As concerns grow over high energy costs linked to the Middle East War, Tokyo's metropolitan government has taken a bold step to reduce its reliance on air conditioning. Starting this month, staff are encouraged to wear shorts to work as part of an upgraded version of the "Cool Biz" initiative.

Launched in 2005 by Japan's environment ministry, Cool Biz initially encouraged bureaucrats to ditch ties and jackets in summer, with some opting for Okinawan-style collared t-shirts. The loosened dress code is a response to the energy crunch threatened by the Middle East war, which has prompted the Japanese capital to take its energy-saving efforts to the next level.

Already, some male workers in the Tokyo government office can be seen sporting shorts and T-shirts, according to local media footage. Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, who started the Cool Biz campaign as environmental minister two decades ago, is fully supportive of the new initiative. This summer, she encourages "cool" attire that prioritizes comfort, including polo shirts, T-shirts, sneakers, and - depending on job responsibilities - shorts.

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The new Cool Biz initiative also includes a greater shift toward teleworking and starting work early, as cited by Tokyo governor Koike in response to the severe outlook for the supply and demand of electricity. Japan sweltered through its hottest summer last year, with temperatures rising to 40 °C and above becoming increasingly common.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has unveiled an official designation for these extreme weather events, labeling them "cruelly hot" or "kokusho" days.