TOKYO, Aug 22, 2005 -- Kyodo

 

Japan will kick off the "Warm Biz" campaign Oct. 1, an autumn-winter version of the "Cool Biz" campaign held during summer, to promote energy conservation by encouraging business people to wear layers of clothing and help reduce the use of heaters, the Environment Ministry announced Monday.

Under the campaign, office workers will be encouraged to wear knitwear, warm underwear and headwear so that they can comfortably work in an office with a temperature of 20 C., the ministry said.

The ministry will create a logo for the campaign and allow stores that sell such items to use it.

"Cool Biz was introduced successfully as the campaign helped increase department store sales and stimulated the Japanese economy," Environment Minister Yuriko Koike said.

"Just as much electricity is used during winter for heating in summer for air conditioning. We want to promote a fashion which is warm and easy to work in so that we don't have to depend too much on heaters," she said.

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Japan to launch 'Warm Biz' campaign in fall