Japanese authorities are urging male workers to wear shorts in summer, sparking debate over leg hair harassment
and workplace norms. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Tokyo Cool Biz” policy, launched in April, faces mixed reactions as temperatures rise and social etiquette clashes with comfort.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s “Tokyo Cool Biz” initiative, introduced in April, encourages male employees to wear shorts during the summer heat. The policy, an extension of Yuriko Koike’s 2005 “Cool Biz” campaign, aims to reduce energy consumption and improve worker comfort amid rising temperatures. However, it has drawn sharp criticism, particularly from female employees who describe the practice as leg hair harassment
or “sunehara,” a term highlighting discomfort from seeing male colleagues’ bare legs.
The Policy and Its Origins
The initiative builds on the 2005 national “Cool Biz” campaign, which allowed workers to shed ties and jackets to combat heat. This year, the Tokyo government has expanded the policy to permit shorts, citing rising temperatures and the need to prioritize comfort. 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,
said Noboru Watanabe, a Tokyo Metropolitan Government environmental official. The move aligns with broader efforts to address Japan’s heat, including early work shifts and increased air-conditioning use.
Heatwaves have become increasingly severe in Japan, with 2024 recording over 2,000 heat-related deaths. The weather agency introduced a new term, severe heat day,
for temperatures exceeding 40°C. The government’s push for casual dress comes as cities grapple with the urban heat island effect, where buildings and roads absorb sunlight only to release it after dark.
Mixed Reactions and Social Backlash
While some workers welcome the relaxed dress code, others argue it reinforces gender imbalances. A June survey by Gorilla Clinic found 53.5% of respondents opposed wearing shorts to work, with concerns about body hair and social norms. Women were disproportionately likely to oppose the policy, with many expressing discomfort at the prospect of seeing male colleagues’ legs. Akifumi Funatsu, the director of Gorilla Clinic, says he has noticed more clients coming to the clinic not just for cosmetic reasons, but as a matter of social etiquette when wearing shorts.
He thinks women believe that men should have less leg hair,
which has prompted them to seek laser hair removal. Meanwhile, critics argue the policy perpetuates outdated workplace norms. Some critics say shorts and sandals do not belong in the workplace, reflecting traditional views that casual attire undermines professionalism.
The Heat Crisis and Government Measures
Japan’s escalating heat has forced authorities to rethink both energy use and workplace practices. While the original “Cool Biz” campaign focused on energy conservation—recommending air-conditioners be set to 28°C—current policies prioritize comfort. Authorities have largely abandoned the energy-conserving advice of the initial Cool Biz. These days, they encourage the use of AC when the temperature soars.
The government is also promoting alternative measures, such as early shifts and more remote work, to mitigate heat exposure. Public schools and offices have expanded air-conditioning access, with 99.1% of classrooms now equipped with units. However, the push for casual dress has sparked a broader debate about how to balance comfort with traditional workplace expectations.
The controversy highlights tensions between modernization and tradition in Japanese work culture. While some companies have adopted the policy, others remain hesitant. The Tokyo government has emphasized that the initiative is voluntary. There should be no issue as long as the work attire is not offensive to anyone,
Watanabe said, though the definition of “offensive” remains subjective.
As temperatures continue to rise, the debate over workplace dress codes may intensify. For now, the policy remains a test case for how Japan balances innovation, comfort, and cultural expectations in the face of climate change.
