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Tag - cool-biz

 
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July 24, 2026
 

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COOL BIZ

Tokyo¡¯s push for cooler office attire has sparked backlash in Japan, where conservative workplace norms still shape office culture and critics say shorts and sandals do not belong in the workplace.
COMMENTARY / Japan
Jun 1, 2026
Tokyo wants you to wear shorts to work. Say no.
While the image of the suit-and-tie salaryman endures, in recent years summer office fashions have become much more casual.
Women with portable electric fans in the Yurakucho district of Tokyo on Sept. 12. In Japan, Cool Biz became especially popular with women, who tended to wear lighter clothes and often complained about the cold temperatures needed to make business suits comfortable for their male colleagues.
51³Ô¹ÏÍø / Society
Sep 24, 2023
Where did all the dark-suited Japanese businessmen go?
Under Cool Biz, salarymen and government workers don short-sleeved shirts in the summer as offices are kept above 28 degrees Celsius to save energy.
BUSINESS
May 1, 2018
Japan¡¯s retailers hope to boost sales by capitalizing on Cool Biz
With temperatures soaring higher than average this year, retailers are hoping to boost sales of apparel by capitalizing on the government¡¯s annual Cool Biz campaign, which started Tuesday.
Japan Times
LIFE / Lifestyle
Jul 22, 2017
How not to create a stink at the office
More domestic companies are taking the issue of unpleasant odors in the workplace seriously.
Japan Times
LIFE / Language / MORNING ENGLISH
May 22, 2017
Let¡¯s discuss Cool Biz
The thermostat setting of 28 degrees recommended by the Cool Biz energy-saving campaign is stirring controversy among top government officials.
LIFE / Language / COMMUNICATION CUES
May 30, 2016
Cool Biz energy-saving campaign kicks off
The government has kicked off its annual Cool Biz campaign, during which workers are encouraged to dress more casually to help reduce energy use.
Japan Times
LIFE / Style & Design
Jun 9, 2014
Cool Biz 2014 inspires refreshing designs
Dressed in a gray suit, a model stops at the end of the runway and strikes a pose before taking off his jacket. Still standing at the end of the runway, instead of throwing the jacket over his shoulder, he begins to casually flip and fold it. Then he holds it up. What had appeared at first glance to...
CULTURE / Japan Pulse
Jun 11, 2013
Japan by the numbers (06.11.13)
Who would read every book in a series of 70? One in four Japanese people in their 20s, according to one poll. There¡¯s more where that came from.
CULTURE / Japan Pulse
Jul 8, 2011
Women sound off on Super Cool Biz fashions
Is Super Cool Biz bringing out the best or worst in men¡¯s office fashions?
LIFE / Lifestyle / Japan Pulse
Jun 24, 2011
Fashion goes sensible in postquake Japan
Memories of March 11 are inspiring women to favor sensible footwear, just to be safe.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Japan Pulse
May 25, 2010
Clothing retailers want you to stay cool, stay fresh
Cool biz: a great opportunity for retailers to push clothing lines with coolness built in.
Japan scientists identify clusters of protein believed to trigger Alzheimer¡¯s disease
A team of researchers said they found a ¡°seed¡± that accelerates the amyloid beta accumulation process in the brain, naming it ¡°Peak 1 amyloid beta,¡± as seen in a mouse's brain.
Indian brothers make manga debut in Japan
Two Indian brothers made their manga debut in Japan with "Kung Fu Kung Fool" ¡ª an action-comedy series that follows the adventures of a notorious thief and a young boy.
Japan weighs regulating Pokemon cards amid trading mania
A Pokemon event is held in Jakarta on July 11
Low-income families in Japan cut food and air conditioning during summer break
Yumiko Watanabe, the chairperson of nonprofit Kidsdoor, explains the results of a survey in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward on July 1.
Iran strikes on CIA facilities prompt questions about possible Russian role
Iranian drones are displayed in an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on Jan. 13, 2025.U.S. officials have acknowledged that Russia has ?provided targeting ?and other support for Iran in its drone strikes on U.S. targets in the Persian Gulf region.
The sci-fi sensibilities of electronic trio Black Boboi
Black Boboi was formed in 2018 when solo artists Julia Shortreed, Utena Kobayashi and Ermhoi came together under Kobayashi¡¯s newly founded label, Bindividual.
A perfect storm: Kaze Fujii fans flock to Fuji Rock
Okayama-born singer-songwriter Kaze Fujii has carved out a distinctive place in Japanese pop since his major-label debut in 2019.
Can Japanese comedy get laughs in English? Yoshimoto Kogyo lets the jokes rip
Wes-P has millions of followers and his viral clips made him recognizable out of Japan.
The 180-day locals: Life on Japan¡¯s digital nomad visa
Christopher Flinn works remotely from Tokyo earlier this month. Japan issued 646 digital nomad visas in 2025, but tourism officials are hoping to increase that figure in the coming years, with Japan's relatively cheap cost of living and the weak yen seen as potential draws for young professionals.
Japan reveals hint of new defense spending target in fiscal blueprint
The Self-Defense Forces' Type 16 mobile combat vehicle fires during a joint live-fire drill with U.S. Marines as part of the annual Resolute Dragon exercises in Yufu, Oita Prefecture, on June 28.

Podcast

One of the many entrances to the Kabukicho neighborhood in Tokyo¡¯s Shinjuku Ward.
Kabukicho: Tokyo¡¯s ¡®stadium of desire¡¯

Longform

For many people, utility poles and power lines have become such a familiar part of Japan¡¯s landscape that they often go unnoticed.
Why Japan¡¯s utility poles won¡¯t be disappearing anytime soon
By Alex K.T. Martin

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