Tokyo urges men to wear shorts to work, but some women say it's 'leg hair harassment'

Tokyo’s push for men to wear shorts during the summer has sparked debate, with some women describing the practice as “leg hair harassment.” As temperatures soar, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has encouraged businesses to adopt more relaxed dress codes, allowing t-shirts, trainers, and shorts in workplaces. This initiative, part of the ongoing “Cool Biz” campaign, aims to reduce energy consumption by promoting lighter clothing. However, the policy has drawn criticism from female employees who feel uncomfortable with the visibility of colleagues' leg hair. The initiative began under former Environment Minister Yuriko Koike in 2005, when she launched the “Cool Biz” program to cut energy use by encouraging shorter sleeves and looser clothing. Over time, the policy evolved into a broader cultural shift, with the government expanding its reach after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. In 2017, the “Super Cool Biz” guidelines were introduced, urging citizens to take additional steps to stay cool, including using air conditioning and avoiding excessive clothing. Now, as Japan faces another sweltering summer, the call for casual office wear has gained renewed attention. Despite the government’s efforts to promote comfort, the move has led to tensions between genders. A June survey conducted by Gorilla Clinic revealed that 53.5% of respondents opposed wearing shorts in the workplace, compared to 46.5% who supported the change. Among those opposing the policy, concerns over body shape and body hair were cited as primary reasons. Women, in particular, expressed discomfort with the visibility of male colleagues’ legs and leg hair, leading some to seek laser hair removal to avoid offending others. Akifumi Funatsu, director of Gorilla Clinic, noted that the demand for such treatments has increased, reflecting a growing emphasis on social etiquette in professional settings. While some men have embraced the trend, others remain self-conscious about their leg hair, especially in environments where casual dress is becoming more common. Tech firms and startups have increasingly adopted flexible dress codes, making the Tokyo government’s recommendation more socially acceptable. Yet, the policy has not eliminated all resistance. Many women continue to feel pressured to maintain a certain standard of appearance, even as they are expected to wear tights in traditional office settings. This discrepancy highlights the challenges of balancing personal comfort with societal expectations. Japan has faced record-breaking heat this summer, with forecasters warning of “brutally hot days” exceeding 40°C. The Japan Meteorological Agency has introduced the term “kokusho-bi” to alert the public to these extreme conditions. Health authorities have reported a surge in heat-related illnesses, with seven deaths and nearly 4,600 hospital admissions recorded between June 6 and July 12. Amid rising temperatures and energy costs, the government continues to urge residents to stay hydrated, use air conditioning, and adopt cooling technologies such as UV-blocking umbrellas and fan-equipped clothing. As the summer progresses, the debate over workplace dress codes is likely to persist. While the Tokyo government emphasizes the importance of individual choice and comfort, the underlying tension between gender norms and workplace culture remains unresolved. With new products and strategies emerging to combat the heat, the focus will remain on how best to balance practicality with respect for personal boundaries. For now, the conversation continues, shaped by both policy and personal experience.