The Japanese government hopes to ease anticipated power shortages with “Super Cool Biz” — a revamped version of its annual program to encourage office workers to dress casually during the hot weather months.

Beginning Wednesday, office workers are urged to abandon conventional suits and ties in favor of t-shirts, polo shirts and brightly colored Hawaiian shirts. Denim jeans, shorts and tennis shoes are also approved wear.

The Environment Ministry's aim is to prompt offices to reduce the use of air conditioners, which in turn would lower electricity consumption.

The initiative is one of several measures taken by the government to deal with anticipated power shortages in the coming months. Japan's power generating capacity has been seriously reduced by damage from a March 11 earthquake and tsunami, which disabled the Fukushima nuclear power plant.

The program expands on a “Cool Biz” campaign launched several years ago that urged male office workers to shed their coats and neckties during the summer months.