# Tokyo's shorts-at-work policy sparks 'leg hair harassment' debate Women push back against seeing male colleagues' bare legs in offices - **Source:** [BBC News](https://brifing.si/source/647b890e-c85e-45b8-9588-ccfecdec4a99) - **Published:** 2026-07-21 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/8941dd69-215e-42ad-8923-fae68147ec8b ## Tokyo's cool office initiative The Tokyo Metropolitan Government launched 'Tokyo Cool Biz' to combat extreme heat, encouraging male employees to wear shorts at work. Instead of traditional suits and ties, more casual attire is promoted. However, this practice has triggered unexpected social backlash. ## Women decry 'sunehara' phenomenon Some female workers describe being forced to see male colleagues' leg hair as 'sunehara' (leg hair harassment). While women are expected to wear tights when showing legs in traditional Japanese offices, no such rule exists for men. ## Surveys show divided public opinion A recent survey found 53.5% of Japanese oppose wearing shorts at work, while 46.5% support it. Opponents cite concerns about body shape and hair. Notably, female respondents were significantly more likely to object than males. ## Rise in laser hair removal demand As the policy spreads, some men feel self-conscious about leg hair. Aesthetic clinics report increased male clients seeking laser hair removal for social etiquette reasons. Women reportedly believe men should have less leg hair. ## Energy-saving origins of the tradition Governor Yuriko Koike first introduced Cool Biz in 2005 to reduce AC usage. After the 2011 earthquake, Super Cool Biz expanded the guidelines. Today, rising energy prices and record heat have revived the policy. ## Early heat acclimatization crucial In mid-July, seven people died from heatstroke in one week. Experts stress the body takes weeks to adapt to high temperatures, urging preparation starting from rainy season. High humidity hinders sweat evaporation. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgwp513jpvo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss — --- _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._