Japanese urged to loosen up to fight global warming

THE Japanese government is facing an uphill struggle to persuade bureaucrats and businessmen to loosen their collars and shed their ties — if the first day of the government’s Cool Biz campaign to save energy and fight global warming is anything to go by.

Already known for his “no necktie” diplomacy, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi looked casual as he showed up at his office in a blue linen shirt hanging out over white slacks.

“It’s so comfortable without a tie,” said Mr Koizumi. A recent advertisement quoted him urging government colleagues to ditch their ties. “If the ministers are wearing a tie, their

subordinates would feel uneasy about not wearing it,” the ad read. “So the ministers should not wear a tie.”

But his foreign minister began the day in a suit and tie, while the top government spokesperson looked awkward and a bit shy in an open-collared shirt.

“Please excuse me for my appearance,” said one Finance Ministry official as he briefed reporters on tax revenues, wearing a well-ironed blue shirt but no tie.

Male government workers and politicians who usually cling to their dark suits and ties despite soaring temperatures are being encouraged to leave off their jackets and ties

between June 1 and September 30 so air conditioner thermostats can be set higher, helping to save energy and fight global warming.

Tokyo needs to cut greenhouse gas emissions to 6% below 1990 levels by 2012. The Energy Conservation Centre estimates if all offices in Japan increase summer temperatures to 28 degrees Celsius (82 F), it could save 310 million litres of oil in one summer.

To rally support, and to reassure bureaucrats unfamiliar with being laid-back, the Environment Ministry has released a manual on dressing down, with hints such as matching the colours of your belt and shoes.