Tokyo workers encouraged to wear shorts to cut energy costs and keep cool

Officials hope more casual attire for public servants will save electricity during Iran war as summer heat approaches

Public servants working for the Tokyo metropolitan government are being encouraged to swap their suits for shorts this summer to combat sweltering heat and rising energy costs caused by the US-Israel war on Iran.

Inspired by the country’s Cool Biz energy-saving initiative, Tokyo officials hope the measure will cut dependence on air conditioning.

Cool Biz, launched by the environment ministry in 2005, initially encouraged bureaucrats to dispense with ties and jackets, but has so far stopped short of allowing them to display their bare legs in front of colleagues.

Japan and other countries in Asia are growing anxious about the economic effects of the conflict in the Middle East, amid rising oil prices and shortages of petroleum products such as jet fuel.