Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Tokyo Cool Biz Dress Code Sparks Debate
In Tokyo, the government has started a new dress code called Tokyo Cool Biz to help people stay cool during hot summers.
This means employees can wear lighter clothes like T-shirts and shorts instead of formal wear.
However, some women feel it's unfair because they still have to wear tights, while men can wear shorts.
There's also a new term called 'sunehara,' which refers to people feeling uncomfortable seeing men's leg hair.
Some men are even getting laser hair removal to fit in.
The policy aims to make people more comfortable at work, but it has also started discussions about fairness and body image.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government introduced Tokyo Cool Biz to allow lighter clothing for employees during extreme heat.
The policy has sparked debate about gender equality and body image in the workplace.
Critics point out that women are still expected to wear tights while men can wear shorts.
The term 'sunehara' refers to discomfort at seeing male colleagues' leg hair, leading some men to seek laser hair removal.
Record-breaking temperatures in Japan have made the discussion about workplace dress codes more urgent.
- Who
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government employees and the general public in Japan
- What
- Introduction of the Tokyo Cool Biz dress code policy
- When
- April 2023
- Where
- Tokyo, Japan
- Why
- To prioritize employee comfort during extreme heat and reduce energy consumption
Supporters of Tokyo Cool Biz
Critics of Tokyo Cool Biz
Flexibility vs. Gender Equality
Supporters of Tokyo Cool Biz
Supporters argue that the policy provides much-needed flexibility for employees to dress comfortably in extreme heat.
Critics of Tokyo Cool Biz
Critics point out that the policy still enforces unequal standards, such as women being expected to wear tights while men can wear shorts.
Body Image and Social Norms
Supporters of Tokyo Cool Biz
Supporters believe the policy allows employees to focus better and perform more effectively when they are physically comfortable.
Critics of Tokyo Cool Biz
Critics highlight issues like 'leg hair harassment' (sunehara), where men feel pressured to alter their appearance to avoid causing discomfort.
- Initiative
- Tokyo Cool Biz
- Introduced by
- Governor Yuriko Koike
- Year Introduced
- 2023
- Criticism
- Unequal standards for men and women
- Term for Leg Hair Harassment
- Sunehara
- Record-Breaking Temperatures
- Exceeding 40°C
- Heatstroke Deaths in July
- 7
- Hospitalizations in July
- 4,580