Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Tokyo Employees Can Wear Shorts to Work
In Tokyo, Japan, employees are now allowed to wear shorts to work as part of a campaign called 'Tokyo Cool Biz'.
This campaign started in 2005 to help save energy by reducing the use of air conditioners.
The idea is to make working in the office more comfortable during hot weather.
However, not everyone is happy with this change.
Some women workers are uncomfortable seeing their male colleagues' hairy legs.
They have even come up with a new term for this discomfort called 'leg-hair harassment' or 'sunehara'.
A survey showed that 53.5% of people are against wearing shorts to work, mainly because of concerns about body shape and body hair.
On the other hand, 46.5% support the policy for energy conservation.
Tokyo government launched 'Tokyo Cool Biz' campaign encouraging casual attire to save energy.
Employees can now wear shorts and T-shirts to work instead of traditional suits.
Women employees express discomfort with seeing male colleagues' hairy legs.
Term 'leg-hair harassment' or 'sunehara' coined to describe the discomfort.
Survey shows 53.5% oppose wearing shorts to work due to body shape and hair concerns.
- Who
- Tokyo employees, particularly women
- What
- Shift to casual attire, including shorts, in offices
- When
- April, with a campaign launched in 2005
- Where
- Tokyo, Japan
- Why
- To save energy and make working from the office more comfortable
Women's Discomfort
Energy Conservation
Comfort and Appearance
Women's Discomfort
Women are uncomfortable with seeing male colleagues' hairy legs, coining the term 'leg-hair harassment' or 'sunehara'.
Energy Conservation
The 'Tokyo Cool Biz' campaign aims to reduce energy use by encouraging casual attire.
- Campaign
- Tokyo Cool Biz
- Year Launched
- 2005
- Governor
- Yuriko Koike
- Survey Support
- 46.5%
- Survey Opposition
- 53.5%