TOKYO -- Lawmakers in Japan are often seen in suits. While there is no clearly stated dress code in the Diet, some rules exist as a matter of convention, and politicians may dress a little casual or more formal depending on occasions.

Article 211 of the Rules for the House of Representatives stipulates that members must respect the dignity of the chamber. Although there is no explicitly stated dress code, as a convention that has been confirmed by the Committee on Rules and Administration, the lower house requires, in principle, the wearing of a jacket and tie. In addition, the rules also prohibit the wearing of hats, outerwear and scarves.

However, during the annual "Cool Biz" season, following a government initiative encouraging light summer-business attire from May to September, it is permitted to remove jackets and ties. According to the lower house, collared shirts are acceptable, but polo shirts are not. Also, jackets are required for plenary sessions even during the Cool Biz period.

At the opening ceremony of the Diet, which is attended by the Emperor, an even higher level of formal attire is required. Male members must wear a morning coat and female members an afternoon dress, or other formal attire on the same scale. Quite a few Diet members wear traditional kimono and "hakama" long pleated skirts on such occasions.

Many legislators have their suits custom-made for them, as they are often seen by their constituents. Former Prime Minister Taro Aso is famous for his love of suits, so much that he frequents a suit store in Tokyo's Kitaaoyama shopping district while in power. Even now, at the age of 84, he attracts attention on social media and elsewhere for the way he dresses. Former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is also known for having his suits tailored at a long-established store in his hometown of Hiroshima.

(Japanese original by Shu Furukawa, Business News Department)