Tokyo's Cool Biz Campaign: Shorts for Men, but Leg Hair Sparks Debate

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is encouraging men to wear shorts to work this summer as part of its annual 'Cool Biz' campaign, which aims to reduce energy consumption by allowing lighter clothing in offices. Officials suggest swapping suits and ties for t-shirts, trainers, and shorts to help workers stay comfortable while saving on air conditioning. However, the initiative has drawn criticism from some women, who complain that exposed male legs with visible hair amount to 'leg hair harassment.' Social media users have expressed discomfort, with some calling for men to shave or cover up. Others argue that the focus should remain on energy conservation and practicality rather than personal grooming. The campaign has been run for years, but this is the first time shorts have been explicitly recommended for men. While many workers welcome the relaxed dress code, the backlash highlights differing cultural expectations around appearance. The Tokyo government has not issued further guidelines on leg hair, leaving individual companies to decide their own policies.