TOKYO'S GINZA STATION ASSIGNS FEMALE EMPLOYEES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 20 YEARS

For the first time in some 20 years, three female employees have been assigned to work at Tokyo Metro Co.'s Ginza Station, Kyodo News reported.

The move comes after a women's room for overnight shift workers was newly installed thanks to recent renovation work at the subway station.

Nearly 70 percent of the company's 180 stations in and around central Tokyo employed only men as of April 1, while women made up just 6.5 percent of the total workforce of 10,746, according to the company.

Tokyo Metro said it stopped assigning women to work at stations that do not have a women's room for overnight shifts in 1997 when laws, including one to secure equal opportunity and treatment between men and women in employment, were revised to also allow women to work overnight shifts.

Shiho Amishige, one of the three women newly assigned to the station, said, "I heard rumors that Ginza Station is busy and that the workplace atmosphere is severe but (senior colleagues) have been kind enough to teach me the ropes."

Deputy stationmaster Kazuto Nakaizumi welcomed their presence, saying they would be helpful in situations such as when a woman falls ill and calls for help via the emergency button in the restroom, as she would feel more assured if a female employee attends to her.

The company said the low number of women employed, and the stations they were assigned to, was partly due to the difficulties of constructing the required overnight rooms underground where most of its stations are located.

"To provide better services, we will work in securing diversity among our employees," a Tokyo Metro official said.

The company also said it wants to create an environment where any employee, regardless of gender, can advance in their careers.

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