Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Japan’s Shorts Debate Drives Men Toward Leg-Hair Grooming
Japan is having a very hot summer.
More men are wearing shorts to stay cooler.
Some men are visiting grooming clinics to remove hair from their legs or bodies.
They may do this to feel cleaner or avoid criticism about visible leg hair.
The slang word “sunehara” describes discomfort related to seeing someone’s leg hair.
Government offices have expanded casual clothing guidance called Cool Biz.
This makes shorts more acceptable in some workplaces.
Some people think everyone should be comfortable and not judged for body hair.
Others think workers should still follow professional clothing standards.
Men’s grooming clinics in Japan are reportedly seeing more appointments for body-hair removal during the hot summer.
Some men shave or wax their legs to stay cool, feel clean, and avoid “sunehara,” or leg-hair harassment.
Expanded Cool Biz guidelines have made shorts more acceptable in workplaces and other settings during extreme heat.
Supporters say workers should be able to dress comfortably without being judged for natural body hair.
Critics argue that workplace clothing should still meet professional expectations as dress codes become more casual.
- Who
- Japanese men, grooming clinics, government offices, and members of the public debating workplace appearance.
- What
- A reported increase in men seeking leg and body-hair removal as shorts become more common during hot weather.
- When
- During Japan’s current scorching summer and the expansion of summer casual-clothing guidance.
- Where
- Japan, including workplaces and men’s grooming clinics.
- Why
- To cope with extreme heat, feel clean, and avoid criticism or discomfort associated with visible leg hair.
Comfort and personal choice
Professional appearance standards
Natural body hair
Comfort and personal choice
Employees should be able to wear comfortable shorts during extreme heat without being judged for their natural body hair.
Professional appearance standards
Some people view visible leg hair as uncomfortable or inappropriate in shared workplaces, particularly when dress codes are changing.
Relaxing dress codes
Comfort and personal choice
More casual clothing can help workers cope with high temperatures and reduce reliance on air conditioning.
Professional appearance standards
Companies and employees should continue considering professional expectations when deciding what is suitable workplace attire.
- Trend
- Men’s grooming clinics are reportedly receiving more body-hair-removal appointments.
- Main grooming areas
- Legs and, in some cases, other parts of the body.
- Slang term
- “Sunehara” refers to “leg hair harassment.”
- Clothing policy
- Expanded Cool Biz guidance encourages lighter, more casual clothing during severe heat.
- Workplace change
- Shorts, traditionally viewed as too informal outside beaches and childhood settings, are becoming more visible in offices.
- Official view
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government official Noboru Watanabe said the guidance is intended to give people more options, not dictate their clothing.