Cool biz in Soei
Summer in Tokyo is very humid and hot, which calls for air conditioning.
We can only use a limited amount of electricity this year, so we are all trying to use air conditioner as little as possible and finding other ways to keep cool and save energy.
Lately, air conditioners are set at 28 ℃ (= 82 ℉) everywhere. This temperature is still hot and sweaty for some people, especially those who are dressed in suit.
Since 2005, the Japanese government has been advocating "cool biz," which means "no jacket, no neck tie." This year, they have proposed "super cool biz," which is even more relaxed than "cool biz." At the Ministry of the Environment, the employees are allowed to wear jeans and sandals.
Although it has not become a common practice yet, cool biz is spreading everywhere, including the Marunouchi area where we have our Tokyo office.
Until now, there were many who wore necktie and suit when meeting a client. This year, however, there are posters for promoting cool biz, like the one shown below .
Our firm had an idea once to wear aloha shirt as a uniform. But to no one's surprise, many people did not feel comfortable shifting to aloha shirt all of a sudden, and the project was dismissed. Maybe it is better to get used to new things gradually.
To those who will be visiting us at Tokyo office, we sincerely appreciate your understanding for our casual business attire during the summer season.