The initiative, which launched this week to coincide with the start of Japan's heatstroke warning system, allows government staff to wear casual clothes including shorts, T-shirts and short-sleeved blouses. Governor Yuriko Koike said at a press conference: "We encourage cool attire that prioritises comfort, including polo shirts, T-shirts and sneakers and – depending on job responsibilities – shorts." The move is inspired by Japan's Cool Biz energy-saving campaign, launched by the environment ministry in 2005, which initially encouraged bureaucrats to dispense with ties and jackets.
Japan depends on the Middle East for 90% of its oil imports, most of which pass through the Strait of Hormuz. The threat of an energy crunch was one of the factors in allowing casual dress, according to Agence France-Presse. Japan has tapped into its strategic oil reserves and plans to release a further 20 days' worth from 1 May. It is also sourcing oil imports from suppliers that do not use the Strait of Hormuz. Experts warn that if shipping in the strait does not return to normal, Japan will eventually face a crude oil shortage.
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.
Other Asian nations have taken steps to ration energy use. Vietnam, South Korea and other countries have implemented measures, though specifics are not fully detailed. Some have encouraged government officials to work from home or reduced the length of the working week. In Seoul, authorities have urged residents to make short trips on foot or by bicycle. About 20% of natural gas used in South Korea comes via the Strait of Hormuz.
According to The Guardian - Main UK, an unnamed metropolitan government official described the initiative as comfortable and said it would improve work efficiency, adding that as it gets hotter, they would like to come in earlier and work from home as well.
We encourage cool attire that prioritises comfort, including polo shirts, T-shirts and sneakers and – depending on job responsibilities – shorts.