The Tokyo metropolitan government is encouraging public servants to wear shorts this summer to combat heat and rising energy costs, which according to reports are linked to the US-Israel war on Iran. The initiative, inspired by Japan's Cool Biz campaign, launched this week as the city activated its heatstroke warning system.
Cool Biz was launched by the environment ministry in 2005 and initially encouraged bureaucrats to dispense with ties and jackets but not shorts, according to major media reports. The new policy expands on that by explicitly allowing shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts and sneakers, depending on job responsibilities.
Japan and other Asian countries are anxious about economic effects of the Middle East conflict due to rising oil prices and shortages of petroleum products, major media reports indicate. Japan depends on the Middle East for 90% of its oil imports, most passing through the Strait of Hormuz. About 20% of natural gas used in South Korea also comes via the Strait of Hormuz.
Vietnam, South Korea and other countries have taken steps to ration energy use, while others encouraged working from home or reduced working weeks, according to major media reports. The threat of an energy crunch was one of the factors in allowing Tokyo government staff to wear casual clothes, Agence France-Presse reported.
Japan has tapped into its strategic oil reserves and plans to release a further 20 days' worth from 1 May, major media reports said. Japan is also sourcing oil imports from suppliers that do not use the Strait of Hormuz.
Experts warn that if shipping in the Strait of Hormuz does not return to normal, Japan will face a crude oil shortage, according to major media reports. Some Tokyo government employees have been spotted in shorts, T-shirts and short-sleeved blouses since the initiative's launch this week, multiple reports said.