Tokyo govt encourages workers to wear shorts & t-shirts to cut aircon use amid high energy costs

Tokyo's metropolitan government has encouraged staff to wear shorts and T-shirts to work as part of efforts to reduce air conditioning use.

This comes amid growing concerns over high energy costs tied to the Middle East conflict.

According to local news outlet The Japan News, the government had called on workplaces to adopt the initiative, known as Tokyo Cool Biz, on Apr. 22.

This coincided with the start of Japan's 2026 special heatstroke warning system.

The campaign promotes energy conservation while keeping workers comfortable during the summer months.

It targets three areas: work arrangements, daily habits and clothing choices.

On the work front, it encourages early-morning shifts and remote work.

For daily life, it urges the public to monitor temperatures and stay alert to heatstroke risks.

Regarding clothing, it recommends that employees dress for comfort based on the time, place and occasion.

Rising energy costs

The move comes as Japan grapples with climbing energy costs driven by the Middle East conflict, as well as the increasingly severe summer heat in recent years.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has pushed up oil prices and stoked concerns about potential shortages of petroleum products, including jet fuel, reported The Guardian.

Japan, in particular, faces heightened energy vulnerability as the country relies on the Middle East for around 90 per cent of its oil imports, most of which are shipped through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, who first championed the Cool Biz campaign as environment minister some two decades ago, cited "a severe outlook for electricity supply and demand" as she called on workers to embrace the change.

"We encourage cool attire that prioritises comfort, including polo shirts, t-shirts and sneakers and — depending on job responsibilities — shorts," she told the media.

Workers spotted in shorts

Citing AFP, The Guardian reported that some government employees have already been spotted in shorts, t-shirts and short-sleeved blouses since the start of the initiative.

A metropolitan government official wearing shorts to the office for the first time told The Japan News: "I was a bit nervous, but it's very comfortable, and I feel like it'll improve my work efficiency."

"As it gets even hotter, I'd like to come in earlier and work from home as well," he said.

Top photo from TBS NEWS DIG/YouTube