Winter struggles in Japanese offices

Winter in Japan has a charm of its own, but if you're an expat working in an office environment here, you quickly learn that the real cold isn't outside but often under your desk.

A new 2025 survey of office workers confirms what many of us have probably pondered, which is why do Japanese offices feel so chilly even when the heating is on? More than half of respondents said their biggest winter struggle at work is cold feet, thanks to ceiling-mounted AC units that trap warm air near the top of the room while everything from the knees down stays icy.

Some offices genuinely feel like this, it seems...

The survey also found that uneven temperatures and dry air are major sources of discomfort. Workers described rooms where the upper body feels warm but their legs stay numb, entrances that blast cold air every time the door opens, and humidity so low that skin, eyes, and throats constantly feel irritated. Over a third of people even reported dizziness or throat discomfort, which might come as a surprise for expats used to centralized heating or more balanced ventilation systems back home.

Because personal heaters and humidifiers aren't always allowed (or feel awkward to use in shared spaces), most people resort to a collection of small comforts. More than 70% mentioned relying on clothing and accessories like heat-tech layers, thick socks, leg warmers, cardigans, and the classic office blanket. Masks are still widely used in winter too, not just for colds but to keep moisture in, with 43% of workers saying masks were something they depend on.

Of course, while everyone has their own habits, almost all of the respondents were spending at least some money each month to stay warm, with the majority budgeting between ¥500 and ¥3,000 for winter gear.

If you work in an office environment here, do you have any good tips for folks to beat the office chill?