Start of summer in Tokyo

Temperatures have been slowly climbing during the past couple of weeks amidst the annual rainy season. Business attire has been relaxed in Tokyo for the past few years as workers try to stay cool in the blazingly hot and humid summers. Government offices led the way to raise office thermostats and now many companies have followed. This summer, with serious limitations of power supply, energy conservation is showing up everywhere. Even subway station platforms, renown for their refreshing air conditioners, seem barely cool.

Today is clear, sunny and expected to reach 33C. I went to the office in short-sleeves and black jeans instead of the usual business casual attire. It is the first time in recent memory I have gone to work in casual clothes. I walk to the office and it did make a difference. I am enjoying not being overheated. It isn't that long ago that I used to have to wear a suit and tie to work, even throughout the summer.

I don't like the summers here. No one does. Especially at the end of June when you know there is three months of this heat ahead. But I vow to make the best of it this year, adapt when I can to the heat and solider on. It has been a wild ride in eastern Japan this year and we need to temper our complaints carefully.