For months, the Japanese were dealing with severe heat and several cases of heat stroke and other heat related problems were registered. However, on November 1, 2012, Japanese workers were urged to take out their warm clothes, as the energy saving ‘Warm Biz’ campaign has started.
Offices and homes have been instructed by the Environment Ministry, to set heaters and air conditioners to not more than 20 degrees Celsius and keep living spaces a little warmer, the old fashioned way. On an average, the temperature in Tokyo falls to around 6 degrees Celsius in the months of January and February.
The government has also advised people to wear extra layers of clothes, and eat hot meals to keep warm during the season. The ministry has also asked people to wear scarves, leg warmers and gloves during the day and an extra layer after an evening bath.
A traditional Japanese hot pot for dinner is recommended for the season. The website of the ministry said, “You can lower the heat if you enjoy ‘nabe’ with your family and friends, making both bodies and the room warm. The temperature will feel higher than it actually is, thanks to steam from the pot”. The website also suggested to eat root vegetables and ginger which keep the body warm.
