Squeezed by Japan's tight labour market, more companies are this year following in the footsteps of Don Quijote, a Pan Pacific International group company. It relaxed its rules around hair and nail polish three years ago and says nearly a quarter of its employees now have brightly coloured hair. When brown is included, 55% of its employees have non-black hair.
The newest changes around hair colour, nail polish and accessories are predominantly taking place at smaller companies facing more acute labour shortages than bigger firms and don't have as much leeway to offer competitive wages.
But some big listed firms have relaxed dress codes this year. Japan Airlines last week joined subway operator Tokyo Metro, and domestic budget carrier Skymark Airlines in allowing staff to wear sneakers to work.
by Power-Equality