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Warm, Fuzzy Winter Bra Unveiled in Japan
By Associated Press

Model Hitomi Nishina displays underwear maker Triumph International (Japan) Ltd.'s new creation, "Warm Biz" bra and shorts, in Tokyo Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2005. The "Warm Biz" bra uses boa material and adopts lining of infrared thermal fabrics to keep you warm under low heating measures promoted by Japan's environment ministry against global warming. (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)

TOKYO - Furry, heated bras may soon appear in some Japanese wardrobes as the country prepares for "Warm Biz" _ a nationwide government campaign urging workers to bundle up and save energy on heating this winter.

The Warm Biz Bra, unveiled this week by Tokyo-based underwear maker Triumph International, is lined with material that the company says helps save warmth.

The bra also has removable pads that can be heated in a microwave or hot water _ as well as long, furry straps that wrap around the neck like a scarf, and matching shorts.

"Warm Biz lets you add a little fun and chic to office wear, and prevents global warming," Triumph says.

In an attempt to cut energy use, Japan's government has recommended setting thermostats this winter at 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit) for government buildings, and 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit) for private companies.

The government said this year's June-August "Cool Biz" campaign _ which had bureaucrats and politicians sporting open-collar, short-sleeve shirts to cut down on air conditioning _ saved 210 million kilowatt hours, enough to power 720,000 households for a month.

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