博客

In recent years, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has introduced a significant shift in corporate fashion standards. As temperatures reached record highs in the summer of 2026, Governor Yuriko Koike actively encouraged male employees to swap their traditional formal suits for more casual attire, such as t-shirts and shorts. This initiative aims to assist workers in managing the extreme heat while simultaneously lowering energy consumption by reducing the need for intensive air conditioning in office buildings.

Despite the practical intentions behind the policy, it has sparked an intense public debate. While some employees welcome the flexibility, the move has been met with mixed reviews. A primary concern raised by critics is gender equality; many argue that the policy is fundamentally unfair to female staff. For example, it has been noted that women are often still expected to wear tights even if they opt for shorter skirts, meaning they do not benefit from the cooling effects of the new dress code to the same extent as their male colleagues.

Furthermore, the situation has given rise to a controversial new social term: ‘sunehara’, or ‘leg hair harassment.’ This refers to the discomfort some individuals experience when exposed to their colleagues’ bare legs and body hair in a professional environment. A survey conducted by a local clinic revealed that over fifty percent of respondents were opposed to the idea of wearing shorts in the office. Interestingly, the data suggested that women expressed more resistance to the change than men, often citing concerns regarding professional etiquette and body image.

In response to this social pressure, there has been a notable surge in men seeking laser hair removal treatments. Many believe that if they are to adopt more revealing clothing, they must ensure their appearance remains socially acceptable and professional. This reflects a major cultural shift in a nation where strict business attire has been the standard for decades. Although the ‘Cool Biz’ concept was originally launched in 2005, its recent expansion represents a new chapter. If these trends persist, we may witness a permanent transformation in how urban professionals dress for work.

1. What is the primary purpose of the Tokyo government’s new dress code initiative?

• A.To boost the sales of casual clothing in the capital.
• B.To reduce energy use and help staff manage the heat.
• C.To make Tokyo’s business districts look more modern.
• D.To replace the original 2005 Cool Biz policy entirely.

2. Why do some critics believe the new policy is unfair to women?

• A.Women are prohibited from wearing casual clothes.
• B.Women prefer traditional formal suits over shorts.
• C.Women still face pressure to wear restrictive items like tights.
• D.Women are not allowed to participate in the energy-saving program.

3. What can be inferred about the impact of ‘sunehara’ on Japanese men?

• A.It has encouraged them to wear longer trousers to hide their legs.
• B.It has influenced many to seek cosmetic treatments to appear more professional.
• C.It has caused them to ignore the government’s advice on casual wear.
• D.It has made them more resistant to the idea of gender equality in the office.

4. According to the survey mentioned, what is the general attitude toward wearing shorts to work?

• A.Most employees are enthusiastic about the newfound freedom.
• B.The majority of people are against the change, especially women.
• C.Men and women are equally supportive of the new dress code.
• D.Younger professionals are more likely to support the initiative than older ones.

5. What does the word ‘persist’ mean in the final paragraph?

• A.To change suddenly
• B.To stop happening
• C.To become unpopular
• D.To continue to exist