What's happened
Tokyo's government is encouraging staff to wear shorts and casual clothing this summer to reduce energy consumption amid concerns over energy shortages caused by the Middle East war. The initiative builds on the longstanding Cool Biz campaign, now expanded due to fears of electricity supply issues and rising temperatures.
What's behind the headline?
The decision to relax dress codes in Tokyo reflects a broader shift driven by climate and geopolitical pressures. The energy crisis caused by the Middle East war is forcing Japan to implement aggressive conservation strategies, including encouraging casual attire to reduce air conditioning use. This move signals a recognition that climate change and international conflicts are directly impacting workplace policies. The expansion of Cool Biz, now allowing shorts and T-shirts, is a practical response to record-breaking heat and electricity shortages. It also highlights how climate adaptation is reshaping cultural norms in Japan. The government’s focus on energy independence and demand management indicates that these measures will likely become permanent features of Japan’s response to ongoing geopolitical risks and climate change. The emphasis on teleworking and early start times further underscores a comprehensive approach to reducing energy consumption, which will influence future workplace practices and urban planning. Overall, these policies demonstrate Japan’s proactive stance in addressing climate and energy challenges, but they also reveal the urgent need for diversified energy sources and resilient infrastructure to withstand future shocks.
What the papers say
The Guardian reports that Tokyo officials are adopting casual dress to combat heat and energy shortages, citing the ongoing Middle East conflict as a key factor. France 24 highlights that this initiative is an upgraded version of the longstanding Cool Biz campaign, now including shorts and T-shirts to prioritize comfort and reduce electricity use. Both sources emphasize that the move is a direct response to the severe outlook for electricity supply and demand, with Tokyo’s governor Yuriko Koike actively promoting these measures. The Guardian notes that Japan has already tapped into strategic oil reserves and is sourcing imports from alternative suppliers to mitigate risks. France 24 points out that record-breaking temperatures and the designation of 'cruelly hot' days are driving the need for more flexible and energy-efficient workplace policies. The coverage from both outlets underscores that Japan is shifting cultural norms and workplace practices to adapt to climate and geopolitical pressures, with a focus on energy conservation and resilience.
How we got here
Japan has experienced its hottest summer since records began in 1898, with temperatures exceeding 40°C. The Middle East war has increased oil prices and threatened energy supplies, prompting Japan to tap into strategic reserves and seek alternative imports. The government is also promoting energy-saving measures across the country, including rationing and encouraging remote work.
Go deeper
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Yuriko Koike is a Japanese politician who currently serves as the Governor of Tokyo. She graduated from Cairo University as the top student in 1976 and was a member of the House of Representatives of Japan from 1993 to 2016, and was previously the Ministe
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The Japan Meteorological Agency, abbreviated JMA, is an agency of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. It is charged with gathering and providing results for the public in Japan that are obtained from data based on daily scientific
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The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is the government of the Tokyo Metropolis. One of the 47 prefectures of Japan, the government consists of a popularly elected governor and assembly. The headquarters building is located in the ward of Shinjuku.