The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has issued new summer dress-code guidance encouraging male office workers to wear shorts, t-shirts, and trainers [1].
The move reflects an effort to modernize professional attire in Japan, where strict dress codes have historically persisted despite extreme weather. By relaxing these standards, the city aims to improve employee comfort and productivity during the hot, humid summer months [1, 2].
Governor Yuriko Koike said the guidance is a recommendation, not a compulsory rule [1]. The initiative targets temperatures ranging from 30 °C to 35 °C (86 °F to 95 °F) [2]. A spokesperson for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government said, "We want to encourage employees to stay cool and comfortable during the hot summer months" [1].
While the guidance is intended to provide relief, it has drawn criticism from some female employees. Critics argue that the policy creates a gender imbalance, as women are often still expected to wear skirts and stockings in professional settings. One female office worker in Tokyo said, "It’s harassment to tell men they can wear shorts while women still have to wear stockings and skirts" [3].
There are conflicting reports regarding the scope of the policy. Some reports indicate the guidance applies to all office workers in Tokyo [1], while other sources suggest the policy currently targets municipal employees [2]. Despite these discrepancies, the central goal remains the mitigation of heat-related stress in the workplace.
The shift away from the traditional "salaryman" suit, a staple of Japanese corporate culture for decades, marks a significant departure from social norms. However, the backlash from women suggests that dress-code liberalization in Japan may require a more inclusive approach to avoid perceptions of workplace inequality.
“"The guidance is a recommendation, not a compulsory rule."”
This policy shift highlights the tension between Japan's rigid corporate traditions and the practical necessity of adapting to rising global temperatures. While the government is attempting to prioritize public health and productivity, the resulting friction underscores a deeper systemic issue regarding gender expectations in the Japanese workforce, where professional 'decorum' is often applied inconsistently between men and women.
