A growing number of Japan's railway and airline companies are easing the dress codes for their employees as part of their efforts to improve working conditions.



Subway operator Tokyo Metro now permits station staff, train drivers and other crew members to wear sneakers to work, starting in May.



Until then, employees had to wear leather shoes, but sneakers are now an option as long as the color is black.



Company officials said they had been discussing ways to ease the physical burden on subway crew, as they stand for long periods of time. They sometimes have to move quickly on the platform or walk on the gravel along the railway tracks during emergencies.



The revised dress code also makes neckties optional, and allows female employees to dye their hair lighter colors.



A Tokyo Metro official involved in reviewing the rules said workers had raised questions about why they could only wear leather shoes.



The official added that the company will revise rules as appropriate in line with rapidly changing times.



In a similar move, air carrier Skymark Airlines began to permit flight attendants and ground staff to wear sneakers in April. Airdo ground staff will also do so on a trial basis from July.