Story perspectives

Tokyo Cool Biz Faces Worker Opposition Amid Heatstroke Spike

7/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Yuriko Koike launched the "Tokyo Cool Biz" policy in April, urging workers to wear T-shirts, trainers and shorts.
A June 2026 Gorilla Clinic survey of 800 workers found 53.5 % opposed shorts and 46.5 % supported them, with women forming the majority of opponents.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported seven heatstroke deaths and 4,580 hospitalisations from 6 – 12 July as temperatures hit 40 °C, urging residents to stay hydrated and use air-conditioning.

History

Historical Context

In 2005 Junichiro Koizumi launched Cool Biz, which the Ministry of the Environment estimated reduced CO2 emissions by 460,000 tons. After the 2011 Tohoku disaster the government introduced Super Cool Biz, loosening dress codes and raising office thermostats. The 2026 rollout, led by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and the Fire and Disaster Management Agency, now meets worker resistance and rising heat-stroke cases.

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Story summary

Yuriko Koike launched the "Tokyo Cool Biz" policy in April, urging workers to wear T-shirts, trainers and shorts.
A June 2026 Gorilla Clinic survey of 800 workers found 53.5 % opposed shorts and 46.5 % supported them, with women forming the majority of opponents.
The Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported seven heatstroke deaths and 4,580 hospitalisations from 6 – 12 July as temperatures hit 40 °C, urging residents to stay hydrated and use air-conditioning.

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