In a significant shift from traditional business attire, sweatshirts are seeing a surge in popularity in Japanese workplaces. This trend seemingly emerged due to the increased emphasis on comfort in the workplace, which has been facilitated by remote work measures and relaxed dress codes amid the global pandemic. Consequently, many professionals in Japan express preference for 'smart casual' wear, such as sweatshirts, over formal clothing, contributing to the growing market for such apparel.

The Japanese work environment, known for its formality, has started embracing 'smart casual' as the new norm in the face of increasing remote work situations and changing work culture. Japanese cultural values place high importance on harmony and comfort. This shift is seen as a progressive step towards enhancing work-life balance and overall job satisfaction.

Casual office attire is not new in countries like the US or EU. Companies like Google and Facebook have long espoused relaxed dress codes, emphasizing comfort and individual expression. The movement in Japan signifies a break from its traditionally formal work environments, aligning more with Western counterparts.