# Japan’s New Office Dress Code Sparks Controversy Male workers wearing shorts draws sharp criticism. - **Source:** [Inc.com](https://brifing.si/source/07cb1004-a796-47d7-9801-fc5c7388471d) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [People & Culture](https://brifing.si/c/people) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/2d93b35a-a05d-4a6f-b283-46eebdd9323f ## Japan’s Office Dress Code Undergoes Change Tokyo is encouraging male workers to wear shorts in hot weather. This new practice signals a shift in office dress codes. ## Backlash and Debates The new dress code has faced criticism, particularly regarding male workers’ leg hair. This situation has brought gender inequality in the workplace to the forefront. ## Double Standards Women employees being subjected to stricter dress codes compared to men’s flexible rules is seen as a double standard. ## Shift in Workplace Culture Japan’s traditional workplace culture is clashing with modern approaches. The new dress code is viewed as part of this shift. ## Employees’ Reactions Many employees have expressed discomfort with the implementation of the new dress code. This situation has questioned the balance between comfort and appearance at work. ## Future Implications This debate in Japan could lead to a global reevaluation of workplace dress codes. Gender equality and employee comfort may come to the forefront. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.inc.com/bruce-crumley/why-japans-new-office-dress-code-is-sparking-a-leg-hair-harassment-backlash/91378833 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._