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Why Tokyo’s New Shorts Policy is Sparking Debate in Japan

NYT > World News·July 19, 2026
Why Tokyo’s New Shorts Policy is Sparking Debate in Japan

Tokyo's government has introduced a new policy permitting workers to wear shorts for the first time during the summer months. The decision has sparked debate in Japan, where dress codes are often strictly adhered to. Etiquette and cultural norms are being questioned, with concerns raised about the appearance of hairy legs in a professional setting. The policy change is seen as a move to improve worker comfort during the hot summer season.

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