Tokyo pushes shorts-friendly workwear policy, sparking debate over double standards

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is encouraging workers to abandon traditional formal attire such as suits and ties in favour of casual clothing including t-shirts, trainers, and shorts. The initiative appears aimed at improving workplace comfort, likely in response to Tokyo's hot and humid summers. However, the campaign has drawn criticism from some women who argue it creates an unfair double standard. Female workers have raised concerns about being subjected to unwanted scrutiny of body hair if expected to wear shorts, with some labelling the situation 'leg hair harassment'. The controversy highlights broader tensions around gender norms and dress code expectations in Japanese workplaces.