Japan half‑pants workplace debate intensifies amid extreme heat

Japan is experiencing a prolonged heatwave with daily temperatures exceeding 40 °C, prompting a renewed debate over the suitability of half‑pants as business attire. In July, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike encouraged “cool‑biz” clothing—including T‑shirts, sneakers and half‑pants—to improve comfort and productivity. The suggestion sparked online backlash, with some women criticizing men’s leg hair as “gross” and coining the term “sune‑hair harassment.”

Talent Katsumata Shūwa, a 61‑year‑old advocate for half‑pants, argued that the extreme heat makes traditional suits impractical and that allowing half‑pants can boost work efficiency. He questioned whether labeling leg hair “gross” could be considered harassment. A survey by Gorilla Clinic found only about 30 % of Japanese companies currently permit half‑pants, while the majority prohibit them. The controversy also ties into broader discussions about “old‑man discrimination” and the social norms that allow certain age‑ and gender‑based remarks to go unchecked.

Katsumata proposed concrete dress‑code guidelines—such as dark or neutral‑colored half‑pants, collared shirts, appropriate socks, and business‑style sneakers—to help companies adopt the attire safely. The debate reflects tension between comfort in a record‑breaking summer and entrenched workplace dress expectations.