He may be leader of the world’s second-largest economy, but Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi conceded on Tuesday that his powers stop at imposing fashion.
Koizumi has encouraged his Cabinet to take off their ties and jackets this summer to save electricity on air conditioning, but he said he was only giving advice — albeit advice he feels very strongly about.
“This will not be mandatory,” Koizumi told a Cabinet meeting. “But it will be a matter of common sense and fashion sense for individuals.”
“If ministers are wearing ties and jackets on hot days, it would be difficult for their subordinates to take them off. Please understand that,” he pleaded.
The government has decided to start the dress-down campaign from Wednesday in an effort to conserve energy resources as the nation tries to promote the Kyoto Protocol against global warming.
All ministers are scheduled to appear in casual wear at Koizumi’s regular Cabinet meeting on June 3, but some have already hinted they may rebel. — AFP