This week, Japanese people have experienced what is known as “kokushobi,” loosely translated as “brutally hot day.” The term is used for days when temperatures exceed 40 degrees, something that has now hit several Japanese cities.
A large number of prefectures around the country have issued heat warnings and urged residents to stay indoors. At the same time, employers in Tokyo have also been urged to take measures, which has received mixed reactions.
Local authorities in Tokyo have encouraged office workers to ditch the traditional suit in favour of T-shirts, sneakers, and shorts. However, the latter detail has proven to be a watershed in office environments.
Hairy legs
While it is appreciated by men, female employees are less happy with suddenly having hairy male legs as a daily feature in the office. The BBC reports on how Japanese women describe it as “hairy leg harassment,” which on social media is referred to as “sunehara,” that is, the discomfort of seeing a colleague’s hairy legs.
In addition, gender equality is questioned in the decision, as women are expected to wear tights in the heat.
"We want to give people more options in the severe heat, not tell them what to wear. There shouldn't be any problems as long as the clothes aren't offensive to anyone," Noboru Watanabe, an environmental official at the Tokyo Prefectural Government, told the BBC.
Getting hotter
A poll cited by the BBC also shows a very divided view on the exposure of hairy male legs. 53.5 percent were against the possibility of wearing shorts while 46.5 percent were of the opposite opinion.
Meanwhile, summers in Japan have become increasingly hot and the consequences more widespread. On a single day this week, 287 people were taken to hospital in Tokyo after suffering from heatstroke – the highest number so far this year.
