The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's 'Tokyo Cool Biz' initiative, which encourages men to wear shorts to work, has been met with significant public debate. This policy, introduced in April 2026, aims to promote energy conservation during the hot summer months by allowing more casual office attire.
The primary goal of the 'Tokyo Cool Biz' program is to reduce energy consumption by enabling offices to set thermostats higher, thereby decreasing the need for intense air conditioning. This aligns with Japan's ongoing efforts to manage energy costs and environmental impact, especially during periods of extreme heat.
This initiative builds upon previous 'Cool Biz' campaigns, first launched in 2005 by then-Environment Minister Yuriko Koike. These campaigns have historically encouraged lighter clothing, such as short-sleeve shirts, to reduce energy use. The expansion to include shorts reflects a more recent push for greater flexibility in workplace dress codes.
However, the new policy has generated mixed reactions. While some employees appreciate the comfort and relaxed rules, a notable concern has emerged from women. Many have described the experience of 'leg hair harassment,' or 'sunehara,' expressing discomfort at seeing male colleagues' bare legs and visible leg hair.
A June survey conducted by Gorilla Clinic highlighted this division, with 53.5% of respondents opposing wearing shorts to work. Conversely, 46.5% supported the recommendation. The survey also indicated that women significantly outnumbered men in their resistance to the policy, primarily citing concerns over body shape and body hair.
Noboru Watanabe, an environmental official with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, stated, "We want to give people more options in the severe heat, not tell them what to wear. There should be no issue as long as the work attire is not offensive to anyone." This statement underscores the government's intention to offer flexibility rather than impose strict dress codes.
The social implications extend beyond mere comfort. Akifumi Funatsu, director of Gorilla Clinic, observed an increase in male clients seeking laser hair removal. He suggests this trend is driven by a perceived social etiquette, with men feeling self-conscious about their leg hair in response to women's discomfort.
Japan has faced record-breaking temperatures in recent months, alongside rising energy prices. The Japan Meteorological Agency has even introduced the term 'kokusho-bi' for days exceeding 40°C, highlighting the severity of the heat. Data from the Fire and Disaster Management Agency for July 6-12, 2026, reported seven heatstroke deaths and 4,580 hospital admissions, underscoring the urgent need for heat mitigation strategies.
The 'Tokyo Cool Biz' policy, while aimed at addressing these environmental and economic challenges, reveals the complexities of implementing social changes. The debate over workplace attire highlights differing cultural norms and personal sensitivities within the broader context of climate adaptation and energy conservation efforts.
Moving forward, decision-makers will need to balance energy-saving goals with workplace comfort and social acceptance. The ongoing discussion around 'sunehara' could influence future revisions of workplace dress code policies in Japan, potentially leading to more nuanced guidelines that consider diverse perspectives.