Office workers in Tokyo are experiencing a new form of workplace discomfort, dubbed 'leg hair harassment' or 'sunehara,' as a heatwave prompts a shift in professional attire. The phenomenon arises from a 'Cool Biz' initiative, introduced by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike in April, which encourages employees to wear more casual clothing, including shorts, to combat rising temperatures and heatstroke alerts.
While men are being advised to wear shorts, traditional etiquette often still requires women to wear tights. This disparity has led to some female employees expressing dismay at the sight of their male colleagues' bare calves. A recent survey indicated that nearly 53.5 percent of workers were against the recommendation to wear shorts in the summer, with 46.5 percent in favor. According to Gorilla Clinic, which conducted the research, key concerns for both genders revolved around body shape and body hair. The clinic noted a higher response rate from women, suggesting they may have stronger feelings about the visibility of bare legs.
Noboru Watanabe, an environment spokesman for the Tokyo Metropolitan government, stated that the intention of the guidance is to offer more options during severe heat rather than dictate specific clothing. He emphasized that work attire should not be offensive to anyone. Japan's weather agency has predicted extremely hot days, with temperatures potentially reaching 40C in areas like Kumagaya, north of Tokyo. Authorities are advising residents to utilize air conditioning, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor exposure.
In recent years, casual wear has become more common in Japanese workplaces, particularly in startups and tech companies. The government's endorsement this year has further normalized such attire, though it has also sparked debate and discomfort among some segments of the workforce.