Shizuoka Prefecture to Adopt Year-Round Cool Biz

Apr 30, 2025 | News On Japan

Apr 30, 2025 (News On Japan) - Shizuoka Governor Heita Suzuki announced on April 30th that the prefecture will implement its “Cool Biz” dress code throughout the year starting in May 2025. Previously limited to the warmer months from May through October, the initiative encourages relaxed attire for government workers, such as going without neckties, to create a more comfortable working environment.

Suzuki said the policy aims to improve employee well-being by allowing attire suited for a more comfortable and active work style. "To promote the well-being of staff, we will establish an environment where they can work in comfortable clothing. Beginning May 1st, 2025, we will implement Cool Biz year-round, without a fixed period," he stated.

Shizuoka introduced Cool Biz in 2005 as part of its climate change countermeasures. During the typical implementation window, employees were allowed to dress more lightly, but once the season ended, many resumed wearing ties and jackets.

By expanding the program to all seasons, the prefectural government hopes to create a consistently pleasant workplace for its staff.

"It will depend on the situation, and we will ensure attire is appropriate for each occasion without causing offense," said Suzuki. "We will also make efforts to gain broad understanding and cooperation from the public."

The new year-round policy applies to all prefectural employees except for police officers and public school teachers.

Source: SBSnews6

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