Heatwaves prompt workers in Tokyo and London to shed formal wear

As relentless heatwaves grip cities from Tokyo to London, the traditional office dress code is undergoing a significant shift. Tokyo has taken the lead, with its metropolitan government expanding its "Cool Biz" campaign. This initiative now encourages staff to forgo long trousers and embrace T-shirts and sneakers, adapting to the sweltering conditions. The campaign, which previously focused on removing ties and jackets, represents a further step in making workplaces more comfortable during extreme heat. The trend is not confined to Japan; across Europe, workers are increasingly opting for more casual attire. This change is sometimes driven by official encouragement from authorities and management, while in other cases, employees are adopting the relaxed dress code independently. The widespread adoption of lighter clothing signifies a growing recognition of the need to adjust professional environments to cope with escalating global temperatures and their impact on daily life.