Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Shoichi Nakagawa said Friday his ministry would look into the possible negative effects the government's "Cool Biz" campaign is having on the necktie industry.
"It is unfair if the campaign singles out neckties as the villains. We'd like to conduct a hearing about possible repercussions on the industry," Nakagawa told reporters.
The campaign launched June 1 is intended to help curb global warming by urging government officials leave their jackets and ties at home until the end of September, so offices will be encouraged to reduce air conditioning.
Environment Minister Yuriko Koike is on posters and in newspaper promoting the campaign, saying "If men take off their ties, women won't need to use lap blankets at the office."
A tie industry group has petitioned the government to stop waging a drive they see as detrimental to sales.
But Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi urged them Friday to find new ways of making the campaign work for them.
"We are not saying don't wear a tie. . . . I want the necktie industry to resourcefully consider ways to boost sales in order to get out of the pinch and turn it into an opportunity," Koizumi said.