Tokyo Urges Workers to Wear Shorts Amid Energy Crunch

The Tokyo metropolitan government is officially encouraging its public servants to wear shorts, T-shirts, and sneakers to work as part of an emergency expansion of the “Cool Biz” energy-saving initiative.

This move comes in response to a dual threat: record-breaking “cruelly hot” summer temperatures and a severe energy crunch fueled by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

With Japan relying on the Middle East for 90% of its oil, the disruption of trade routes has led the government to tap into strategic reserves and mandate drastic cuts in air conditioning usage.

Governor Yuriko Koike is leading the push for casual attire to improve work efficiency and reduce electricity demand, as experts warn that a prolonged shortage could mirror the devastating oil shocks of the 1970s.