Japan's Tokyo city workers can wear shorts in summer. Some call it harassment.

Key facts

• Tokyo's metropolitan government is allowing male employees to wear shorts in summer.
• The change is part of an updated "Cool Biz" campaign.
• The campaign aims to reduce energy consumption.
• Rising fuel prices and extreme heat are contributing factors.
• Some employees welcome the change for comfort.
• Other employees have criticized the new dress code.
• Some critics are calling the policy a form of harassment.

Tokyo's metropolitan government has updated its "Cool Biz" campaign to allow male employees to wear shorts during the summer. This policy change is intended to reduce energy consumption, a goal that has become more pressing due to rising fuel prices and the increasing frequency of extreme heat events. The decision has generated mixed reactions among the city's workers. Many employees have expressed approval, citing the increased comfort that shorts would provide in hot weather. However, the move has also faced opposition, with some employees criticizing the new dress code. A portion of the criticism has gone as far as to label the policy as a form of harassment.