Railway operator announces widespread changes to subway employees' uniform policy
Tokyo Metro Co. has abolished its gendered rules for subway station staff and train crew as part of the company's wider relaxation of uniforms, according to reports.
The company implemented the changes this May, which will enable subway employees to wear earrings while on duty regardless of gender.
It also enables male employees to have natural-looking nail polish while at work, The Mainichi reported.
The abolition of its gendered rules for subway employees comes as the company eases its dress code, according to the report.
Under the relaxed dress code, Tokyo Metro's subway station staff and conductors are now allowed to wear sneakers that are in dark colours, a change from the previous "leather shoes or loafers"-only rule for them.
Rules on women's hair colour are also more relaxed, with employees now allowed to dye their hair in lighter shades than before, according to The Mainichi.
Wearing a tie has also been made optional, while accessories are now allowed as long as they don't interfere with work.
Meanwhile, Tokyo Metro's summer uniform has also been expanded from April to November, longer than the previous May to October duration, in the wake of recent temperature fluctuations.
The Mainichi reported that the changes are part of the railway operator's move to respect diversity and improve employee comfort.
The changes in Tokyo Metro's dress code come after Japan's Skymark Airlines enabled changes to its employees' uniforms.
Last month, the airline announced that it will let flight attendants and ground staff wear sneakers of their choice during work. These sneakers should be black in colour, with shoe soles no higher than four centimetres, The Japan News reported.
"We want to improve their working environment so that employees can work more comfortably," a spokesperson told the news outlet.
