• A new measure aimed at easing pressure on summer electricity consumption
• Greater flexibility in dress code rules within Japanese government offices

In a move designed to reduce energy use, the Tokyo metropolitan government has begun encouraging its employees to wear light summer clothing, including shorts, instead of traditional formal suits, amid rising electricity costs and growing concerns over energy demand.

The step comes as part of an expanded version of the “Cool Biz” initiative launched by Japan’s Environment Ministry in 2005, which originally encouraged workers to ditch ties and jackets during summer and later promoted more comfortable attire such as lightweight shirts.

A Tokyo government official said the energy situation is one of the key factors behind expanding the initiative this year and allowing shorts to be worn inside government offices during the current summer period.

Local media footage showed some male government employees already appearing in offices wearing shorts and light shirts, reflecting a noticeable shift in formal workplace dress standards.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike expressed full support for the initiative, noting that the updated approach includes comfortable clothing such as cotton shirts and sports shoes, as well as shorts depending on job requirements, amid expectations of heavy pressure on electricity supply during the summer.

She also said the changes include encouraging remote work and adopting flexible early-start working hours to help reduce energy consumption during peak demand periods.

Japan has experienced repeated severe heatwaves in recent years, with last summer recorded as the hottest since weather records began in 1898, with temperatures reaching 40°C or higher in some regions.

The Japan Meteorological Agency recently introduced a new classification for extreme heat conditions under the term “severely hot days,” highlighting the growing intensity of weather extremes in the country.