"The Tokyo metropolitan government recently began encouraging workplaces to wear shorts this summer as temperatures rise and energy costs continue to climb. The initiative is a remodel of Japan's Cool Biz campaign launched by the country's environment ministry in 2005, which called on civil servants to forgo ties and jackets, but didn't permit shorts as an exception."
"Workers are also encouraged to take early-morning shifts and even work remotely, if permitted. And to bolster its safety system, Japan implemented a special heat stroke warning system just last month; the nation has been on high alert after a record of more than 100,000 citizens were sent to hospitals during Japan's scorching summer months between May and September 2025."
"Historically, Tokyo has shunned the notion of showing up to work in shorts. But it may be loosening the rules as environmental changes and global conflict force its hand. Temperatures have been rising across Japan; its warming between 2000 and 2020 even outpaced the global average, according to a 2021 study by the International Energy Agency."
The Tokyo metropolitan government promotes wearing shorts at work this summer to address rising temperatures and energy costs. This initiative updates the Cool Biz campaign from 2005, allowing professionals to wear shorts while encouraging energy conservation in work arrangements and daily habits. With temperatures in the mid-70s, city employees are already adopting this new attire. Japan has also implemented a heat stroke warning system due to rising temperatures and health concerns, as the country faces challenges from global conflicts affecting oil supply.
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