The launch came in Tokyo, which has started a "Warm Biz" campaign that urges people to bundle up to save on heating.

Triumph has produced bra pads filled with an eco-friendly, reusable gel that can be heated up in a microwave or with hot water. For good measure, a pendant of a hot pepper dangles from the front.

The bra is not for those who favor understated attire. A long strap flows down from the back, which is meant to be wrapped around like a boa to keep the neck warm.

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"We hope that this will not only help prevent global warming but also provide a little fashion chic to the office," Triumph's Japanese executives said.

But for the time being, the bra - which comes with matching shorts - will not be in stores.

Triumph is using the technology to develop a range of warm clothing.

Japan, the land of the Kyoto Protocol, is encouraging people to set their heating at no more than 20 degrees Celsius this winter to save energy.

It follows a "Cool Biz" casual- dress campaign being promoted by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who eschewed a jacket and tie for most of the summer in a push to reduce air- conditioner use and, therefore, greenhouse gas emissions. That effort is estimated to have saved enough energy to supply at least 240,000 households for a month. AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE