Tokyo: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is encouraging men to wear shorts to work this summer as part of its expanded ‘Tokyo Cool Biz’ campaign to help people stay comfortable during extreme heat. However, the initiative has sparked debate, with some women saying the trend has led to what they describe as ‘leg hair harassment’ in the workplace.
The campaign, introduced by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike in April, encourages office workers to replace traditional business suits with lighter clothing such as T-shirts, trainers and shorts. Officials say the initiative aims to give employees more flexibility during the hot summer months while reducing energy consumption.
Although the recommendation is not mandatory, it has drawn mixed reactions. While many workers welcome the relaxed dress code, some women argue it exposes a double standard in workplace expectations. In many traditional Japanese offices, women are still expected to wear tights when their legs are exposed, even as men are encouraged to wear shorts.
The debate has also led to the emergence of the online term ‘sunehara’, or ‘leg hair harassment,’ used by some people to describe discomfort at seeing male colleagues’ leg hair in professional settings.
According to a June survey by Gorilla Clinic, 53.5 per cent of respondents opposed wearing shorts to work during summer, while 46.5 per cent supported the recommendation. Concerns about body shape and visible body hair were among the most common reasons cited by those opposed.
Some men have reportedly sought laser hair removal before wearing shorts to the office. Akifumi Funatsu, director of Gorilla Clinic, said more clients are seeking treatment for workplace etiquette rather than cosmetic reasons, reflecting changing social expectations.
Japan has endured record-breaking heat in recent months, with forecasters warning of more extreme temperatures this summer. The Japan Meteorological Agency has promoted the term ‘kokusho-bi’ for days when temperatures exceed 40°C, while official data shows thousands of people are hospitalised with heatstroke every week.
Authorities continue to urge residents to stay hydrated, use air conditioning when necessary and take precautions to reduce the health risks posed by extreme heat.
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