Extreme heat prompts Japanese dress code changes as Dutch textile rules stall

Rising summer temperatures in Japan, frequently exceeding 33 degrees Celsius, are pushing companies to reform traditional corporate dress codes. Tokyo businesses are increasingly relaxing requirements for dark suits and leather shoes, encouraging workers to use sun umbrellas and wear lighter attire to reduce heatstroke risks.

Meanwhile, European environmental policy faces implementation hurdles. In the Netherlands, extended producer responsibility legislation intended to curb fast-fashion waste has yielded minimal sustainability gains. Analysts observe that by leaving oversight largely to industry self-regulation, manufacturers can satisfy legal obligations by paying small surcharges per garment rather than reducing output or enhancing fabric durability.

Sources: NOS (Nederlandse Omroep Stichting), NRC