MP Taro Yamamoto Appears Wearing Hawaiian Shirt

During a press conference with the co-leaders of the People’s Lives Party, Taro Yamamoto and Friends on June 2, Yamamoto appeared wearing a Hawaiian shirt. During the Japanese parliament’s summer season, a dress code policy called cool biz is observed. This was first introduced in 2005 by Minister of Environment Yuriko Koike under Koizumi administration.  Under Cool biz, people are allowed to dress down, for example not wearing a tie or jacket in order to be avoid the heat without depending on air conditionering. This is based on eco-friendly philosophy. However, there are traditional members of Parliament who feel more comfortable when dressed formally, even in the heat.