Spotted an interesting story over at Japan Today during my lunch break.

In summary:

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi said Tuesday he will not wear a necktie or jacket during the summer and urged other cabinet members to follow suit, apparently taking an “environment friendly” stance.

Now, when I first read it, I thought it was a typical Koizumi story. The guy is like a Japanese Tony Blair. He became leader of his party because he was seen as young, different, and ‘at one with the people’. He meets and greets film stars etc etc.
Yet, policy wise, he hasn’t really achieved as much as promised, and is actually kind of war-mongering (but toned down a bit from Tony though, due to the Japanese constitution).

So, reading this story, I was thinking to myself, “What bullshit idea has he come up with now”.
But in retrospect its actually bloody sensible. Now, I admit I hate wearing a suit most of the time anyway (some occaisions though, I do), but it’s absolutely crazy wearing a suit in the really hot summer weather when you aren’t in meetings with customers. (Lucky for me, my office has no dress code when customers are not been met).

So, hopefully, less Japanese will keep wearing their stuffy suits and ties, and they can turn down the A/C a bit, saving on energy. Good idea!!!
:)

Will anyone actually keep up this “dress-sensible” policy though… not a chance!