Japan office workers cool off with shorts amid record-breaking summers

Business trendsApparel maker Sanyo Shokai overshoots business casual shorts sales goal by 20%Shorts designed for business settings are becoming more popular as Japan's summers continue to get hotter. (Photo by Kazuho Fujiwara)UTAKO KAWAKAMI, TOMOKA KODAMA and FUMIE YAKUJuly 26, 2026 10:35 JSTTOKYO -- Shorts are gaining traction as office wear in Japan, with apparel brands rolling out new products to cash in on the trend.