Tokyo's Cool Biz Shorts Policy Sparks Leg-Hair Debate in Heatwave

Tokyo’s government is pushing a 'Cool Biz' casual-wear policy that includes shorts to beat the summer heat, but reaction is mixed: some see the relaxed rules as welcome, while others – especially some women – cite discomfort over exposed legs and a phenomenon dubbed leg-hair harassment; Gorilla Clinic’s June survey found 53.5% opposed shorts and 46.5% in favor, with women more resistant, and clinic head Akifumi Funatsu noting more clients seeking laser hair removal as social etiquette. The policy builds on two decades of energy-saving campaigns and comes amid a record heat season that has seen heatstroke deaths and thousands of hospitalizations. Officials say the aim is to offer more options as long as attire isn’t offensive, reflecting Japan’s broader move toward casual workplace dress while heat remains a pressing concern.