Men in shorts are shaking up Japan’s buttoned-down offices

Tokyo's 'Cool Biz' initiative, introduced after successive summers of record-breaking heat, now allows government workers to wear shorts in the office. This policy shift is prompting delicate questions about workplace etiquette and personal grooming, including concerns about hairy legs. The initiative aims to reduce energy consumption from air conditioning while adapting to rising temperatures. The article explores the cultural tensions between traditional Japanese office dress codes and the practical need for comfort in extreme heat, highlighting the broader societal debate about formality versus functionality in Japan's corporate environment.