Today, let's take a look at three shiny new news items from the gossip columns that take on a different sheen when examined under the piercing light of labor law. These human-interest stories have a common theme, which I'll address later. But first, the stories:
1: Drivers in trouble for stubble
Two male subway train conductors recently sued the city of Osaka for ¥2 million each in damages for mental suffering after the city, their employer, lowered their personnel evaluation scores due to their facial hair. The pair claimed the appraisal violated their right to personal dignity (jinkakuken) guaranteed in Article 13 of the Constitution.