Japanese Gov't Promotes Lighter Businesswear to Curb Global Warming

The Japanese government is calling on its all government employees to come to work wearing light clothes in summer by shedding ties and jackets, as a means of reducing air conditioner use and thus helping curb global warming.

The new dress code, dubbed Cool Biz, is being adopted during the summertime, from June 1 through September 30. Workers are required to wear any light attire as long as it is within generally accepted standards, except for attending such official events as award ceremonies and receptions for foreign leaders. Under the policy, all government offices are requested to set their air conditioners no cooler than 28 degrees Celsius.

The name Cool Biz was selected from public entries to name the new concept for business attire in summer, in a competition organized by the Ministry of the Environment. The government is working to promote public appreciation for and understanding of the idea of casual businesswear. As part of the campaign, a fashion event called "Cool Biz Collection" was held at the Expo Dome at the 2005 World Exposition, in Aichi Prefecture, on the United Nations' World Environment Day, June 5.



Posted: 2005/06/26 04:30:22 PM
Japanese version