世論 What Japan Thinks

Following on from yesterday’s look at coping with the heat, I present a short report from Do House into failing to cope with the heat, in particular sweat and smells.

Demographics

Over the 14th and 15th of June 2013 1,047 members of the Moratame.net site completed a private internet-based questionnaire. The sample consisted of people of both sexes and aged between 20 and 59, but not further information than that.

I knew that spray is the most popular form of deodorant here, but I didn’t realise these sheets were so popular. I wonder where and when people use them, as I certainly don’t see people towelling themselves down on the train home! Although it is my favourite, stick deodorant is almost non-existant here – if any of my readers knows somewhere to get them, please leave a comment!
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With the Japanese summer comes Cool Biz (and Ultra Cool Biz), an energy-saving initiative where everyone is encouraged to turn their air conditioning to 28 degrees and wear lighter and more casual clothes in the office. Shiseido, a cosmetics company, conducted a survey into awareness of smells in the workplace to see, amongst other things, if sweat was a source of stress.

Demographics

Over the 27th and 28th of March 2013, 1,248 business persons living in Tokyo and Osaka and their surrounding areas were interviewed. The ages ranged from 20 to 59 years old, but no further information was provided.

I probably sweat the most in the office; my problem with commuting is usually far too cold a carriage!

This year I’m trying out Uniqlo’s AIRism underneath my work shirts. So far they feel great, and they stop my back sweat soaking into my shirt, but I’ll wait until it gets a lot hotter before delivering my final verdict. Its odour neutralising properties, however, are no match for my underarms!
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