An increasing number of Japanese schools are introducing gender-neutral uniforms or allowing students to choose their own uniforms regardless of gender, according to Kyodo news agency.

The changes have been been welcomed by LGBT groups and activists who say it will significantly reduce mental strain on LGBT students.

At Kashiwanoha Junior High School in Kashiwa, near Tokyo, students can choose whether to wear skirts or trousers, ties or ribbons, according to Kyodo.

Koshin Taki, vice principal of Kashiwanoha Junior High School, said according to the agency: "We thought it would be better to let students wear something they feel comfortable in if they have to struggle to come to school because of uniforms."

The education board of Setagawa Ward in Tokyo, as well as in the cities of Osaka and Fukuoka, is said to be considering what kind of school uniforms would be acceptable for LGBT students.