Lifestyle Summer Temperatures

Tokyo Cool Biz Campaign Encourages Shorts and Sneakers at Work

Showbiz Reporter Staff

Thu, Jul 16, 2026 at 5:42 AM UTC 2 min read

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Tokyo Cool Biz Campaign Encourages Shorts and Sneakers at Work

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Top story: Tokyo Cool Biz Campaign Encourages Shorts and Sneakers at Work. Tokyo's Cool Biz campaign encourages workers to swap suits for shorts and sneakers as Japan faces another scorching summer. Read...

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Tokyo Cool Biz Campaign Encourages Shorts and Sneakers at Work

Tokyo is embracing a cooler way to work as another intense summer grips Japan. On July 15, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government encouraged employees to replace jackets and neckties with polo shirts, T-shirts, shorts and sneakers under its Tokyo Cool Biz campaign, helping staff stay comfortable while reducing energy use during extreme heat.

Why Tokyo Is Relaxing the Office Dress Code

As temperatures continue to climb, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is expanding its long-running Cool Biz initiative by promoting even more casual summer attire in public offices.
For workers like Toru Suda, arriving at the office in a polo shirt, shorts and sneakers wasn't a fashion statement—it was simply a practical response to the city's sweltering weather. Officials hope the relaxed dress code will improve employee comfort while reducing dependence on air conditioning.

A Response to Rising Summer Temperatures

Japan has experienced increasingly severe heat waves in recent years, with climate experts warning that extreme summer temperatures are becoming more frequent.
The updated Tokyo Cool Biz campaign reflects a broader effort to adapt workplaces to changing weather conditions while cutting electricity consumption. By allowing lighter clothing instead of traditional business suits, government offices aim to save energy without sacrificing productivity.

Part of a Bigger Sustainability Push

The campaign also aligns with Tokyo's broader environmental goals. Lower air-conditioning demand can reduce energy costs and help decrease greenhouse gas emissions during the hottest months of the year.
Officials hope the relaxed office policy will encourage both public agencies and private companies to rethink traditional workplace dress codes as Japan prepares for another long, hot summer.