Japan launches national energy-saving campaign

How about wearing T-shirts as an energy saving method?

Japan has launched its “Super Cool Biz” energy-saving campaign that, among other things, encourages office workers to wear casual clothes and T-shirts to limit air conditioner usage.

The summer campaign continues the "Cool Biz" campaign first introduced last year to cope with power supply shortages stemming from the energy brought about by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March.

The Ministry of the Environment, which is in charge of the campaign, also aims to kill two birds with one stone by producing and distributing uchiwa portable fans with handles made from driftwood in Miyagi Prefecture. In this way, the ministry aims to save energy while disposing of debris from the earthquake.

Japan has shut down all its nuclear reactors that account for more than 26% of power generation. This will be the first summer in 42 years in which Japan has no operating nuclear reactor.

Because of this, the government has been calling on residents to devise ways to live without being dependent on air conditioners.

In addition to wearing Hawaiian shirts, the ministry has approved wearing polo shirts and untorn jeans at work. It also allows solid-color T-shirts and sandals. Undershirts and flip flops, however, are banned.

Calls have also been made within the ministry for workers to start early and cut down on overtime. Super Cool Biz is expected to last until September.