A movement calling for women's clothing to include pockets is gaining traction in Japan, prompting a change in the apparel industry.

Many women's jackets, pants and skirts either lack pockets or have only shallow pockets, leading to criticism among Japanese women that such clothing is inconvenient for work as there is nowhere to keep business cards.

Corporate employee Ayako Urasawa, 37, bought a jacket three years ago when she got a job.