Shocking the locals with my attire

Sometimes the double standards in this country surprise me to no end.  I try not to let them bother me, in part because people here don't want to hear me rattle on about how ridiculous certain things are. (Example: not knowing who my son's teacher will be when he moves to the higher grade - in 3 weeks!!!  People just smile and say "it is the Japanese way.")  I understand they probably think I am just being critical of the way things are done in Japan, but I would also go on about it if it were occurring in the US.

As the weather has been getting warmer,  I have been wearing fewer and fewer layers.  It has been so nice not having to bundle up every time I go outside.  The last couple days, we've had temperatures reaching the high 60's (Fahrenheit), which for me (in the spring) is short sleeve weather.  Seattleites have a reputation for pulling out sandals as soon as the sun reveals itself in the spring.  And although it is much sunnier in Tokyo all winter long than Seattle, the warmer temperatures are cause for celebration for me. 

The first of the cherry blossoms are even coming out to celebrate the warmer weather.  It isn't just me!

Another factor in my wardrobe choice is that I would much rather be chilly versus too warm any day.  Since I am generally on the move or standing in the sunshine, it makes sense to me to wear short sleeves.

I wore short sleeves on the last couple days of school while picking up my son.  Several of the moms commented on my attire.  "Aren't you cold?"  "Short sleeves?  Oh my!"  At first I just smiled and told them I was fine.  I know that there is an "official" changing of the closet time in Japan.  It is not based on the changing of the weather, instead it is a date on the calendar.  School kids change from winter to summer uniforms, with only a 1 week grace period where they can wear either.  The same thing happens in the fall.

Later it hit me that in the last PTA meeting the school officials had reminded the parents that they encourage the children to wear shorts year round.  It is "healthier" and makes for "more robust children."  They also saw a link between children who wore shorts all the time and illness.  The school officials said those that bared their knees barely got sick.  (I'm not kidding.  They really said this.)

So, why is it shocking and gossip worthy when an adult wears short sleeves, but children are encouraged to wear shorts?  My husband, who was born and raised in Japan, says the difference between short pants and short sleeves is a big difference.  I just don't get it.  But I'm not going to let a little shock or difference of opinion stop me from enjoying the sunshine in my short sleeves.  I want to soak all the sunshine in - until it gets too hot.  Then I'm going to hide inside air conditioning like any sane person.