"Japan's Salarymen: Embracing 'Cool Biz' with Short Sleeves"
Japan's "Cool Biz" initiative encourages salarymen and government workers to embrace casual attire, including short-sleeved shirts, during the summer months to save energy. Offices are kept above 82 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption. The program has been successful, with over 86% of workplaces participating. Cool Biz has also led to a broader casualization of summer style in Japan. However, its wintertime counterpart, Warm Biz, has been less successful. The initiative has inspired similar programs in other countries, but not all have been as well-received.
