Key Takeaways:
- Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike is asking citizens to wear a turtleneck sweater to reduce electricity usage this winter.
- The Cool Biz campaign started 17 years ago by cutting air conditioner use as its primary goal.
- Japan’s economy is under pressure due to a weak Yen and high inflation.
WISCONSIN (CoinChapter.com) — If it were not in the news and only heard on the street, one may not believe it – but it is true! Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike is asking citizens to wear turtlenecks to assist in cutting energy bills this winter.
Ms. Koike said people could work together to cut electricity bills and, at the same time, stay warm. There is some humor in the request, but it is simple and reasonable. Wearing a turtleneck is not something we may overthink, and at the same time is quite practical.
The Governor spoke to reporters and said, “Warming the neck has a thermal effect. So I’m wearing a turtleneck, and a scarf keeps you warm. This will save electricity.” During her interaction with the media, she said that French President Emmanuel Macron also wore turtlenecks and asked citizens to take part in the easy cost-saving measure.
Cool Biz Campaign Began in 2005
The idea of wearing something warmer in winter to offset turning up a thermostat began in 2005 with the Cool Biz campaign. Originally, the campaign started in the summer of 2005 to help reduce the electrical usage of air conditioners. But unfortunately, in 2011, there were electricity shortages due to the Tōhoku earthquake.
After the success of Cool Biz, Japan started a winter version called Warm Biz. The nation desires to become carbon neutral by 2050, partly due to an energy supply squeeze resulting from the Russia-Ukraine war. Japan is heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels, and the war is affecting supplies.
Japan’s Economy
Japan has the world’s third-largest economy. However, a surprise decrease was reported for the most recent quarter, as a weaker Yen and high inflation hurt consumer buying ability. Economists had estimated a 4.6% expansion, but the economy contracted to a rate of 1.2%.
Additionally affecting the results was a rise in import prices. As a result, the Yen touched its lowest level since 1990 against the US Dollar. Japan is determined to keep interest rates ultra-low, while the US is determined to raise rates until inflation gets down near 2%.
Although Japan’s inflation rate remains fairly low at 3.8%, the nation is used to price stability. Therefore, government officials want the rate back to the very low and even negative digits they are accustomed to.
