Keeping cool, Tokyo style: Shorts, sneakers and no ties

As Japan faces yet another sweltering summer, the Tokyo metropolitan government has taken a bold step toward adapting to rising temperatures by allowing its employees to wear shorts, T-shirts, and sneakers instead of traditional business attire. The move, part of the ongoing “Tokyo Cool Biz” campaign, aims to help workers manage the extreme heat while also reducing energy consumption associated with air conditioning. The initiative, which began in 2005 as a national effort to combat rising temperatures, has gained new momentum amid recent weather patterns. On Tuesday, temperatures in Tokyo reached approximately 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), with humidity levels averaging 72%. These conditions have prompted officials to encourage more relaxed office dress codes, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Employees like Suda, a 34-year-old public servant, initially found the transition awkward, wearing a light blue polo shirt and navy shorts. However, as more colleagues adopted similar styles, the initial discomfort gave way to acceptance. Last year marked the hottest summer on record in Japan, with average temperatures 2.36 degrees Celsius above the historical norm. This led to over 100,000 cases of heatstroke requiring medical attention. In response, the Japan Meteorological Agency and the Ministry of Environment issued their first heatstroke alert of the season on Wednesday, advising residents to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and to make use of air conditioning systems. The “Cool Biz” campaign represents a significant cultural shift in a nation where formal business attire, dark suits and crisp white shirts, has traditionally been the standard, even in the height of summer. While many customer-facing industries continue to enforce strict dress codes, a growing number of companies are granting employees more flexibility, particularly when client meetings are not required. Retail giants like Aeon and apparel manufacturers such as Fast Retailing and Aoki have capitalized on this trend by introducing business-casual lines designed for both comfort and professionalism. For Tokyo's municipal workers, the change is primarily driven by practicality rather than symbolism. Noboru Watanabe, head of the city’s climate change countermeasures team, acknowledged the benefits of the new policy. He noted that he had grown accustomed to the lighter attire and found it difficult to return to formal wear. Nevertheless, he emphasized that formal situations still necessitate appropriate dress, and he adjusts accordingly based on the specific demands of each task. The campaign aligns with broader efforts to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable practices within urban settings. As global temperatures rise, cities worldwide are exploring innovative ways to mitigate the effects of heatwaves. Tokyo’s approach reflects a pragmatic adaptation to changing climatic realities, balancing employee well-being with operational efficiency. With the summer season approaching, the success of the “Tokyo Cool Biz” campaign will likely depend on continued support from both public and private sectors. Employers must navigate the delicate balance between maintaining professional standards and ensuring workplace comfort. Meanwhile, the government continues to monitor weather forecasts closely, ready to issue further advisories should conditions worsen.