The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is encouraging male office workers to wear shorts as part of its expanded “Tokyo Cool Biz” campaign to help people stay comfortable during extreme summer heat.

While some have welcomed the relaxed dress code, others argue it is unfair because women are still expected to wear tights.

Some women have also complained about having to see male colleagues’ leg hair, a phenomenon dubbed “leg hair harassment” or “sunehara.”

The initiative comes as Japan experiences record temperatures, with authorities promoting lighter clothing and other heat prevention measures to reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Recent official data shows seven heatstroke deaths and more than 4,500 hospitalisations in a single week.