Women

As Gender Equality Advances in Japan, “Miss Contests” Fade

Okinawa is retiring its "Miss Contest" - but it's not the only prefecture revisiting the beauty pageant concept.

#MeToo in JET: Verdict in Sexual Assault Case

A former JET Program participant who suffered sexual assault has won a civil lawsuit against Nagasaki Prefecture.

14% of Local Assemblies in Japan Have Zero Women: Report

A new survey shows that women in Japan are often shut out of government, not just at the national level, but the local level as well.

Stalking Murder Rekindles Debate About Women’s Safety in Japan

A shocking case of stalking and murder in Fukuoka Prefecture raises questions about whether Japan's stalking laws need more teeth.

Terao Saho: Singer-songwriter-essayist floats between real and ethereal

In his newest entry in his "Untranslated" series, Eric Margolis talks with singer-songwriter-essayist Terao Saho to explore her differing approaches to writing and music.

Self-Defense Forces Soldier Speaks Out on Her Double Harassment

A former member of Japan's Self Defense Force (SDF) talks about the online abuse she's received since reporting on her sexual assault.

Japan Moms Speak Up for Vietnamese Woman Convicted in Stillbirth Case

A Vietnamese woman is appealing her conviction in Japan for "hiding" the bodies of her stillborn twins - and she has a lot of support.

Japanese Woman’s “Death by Housework” Goes Unacknowledged

A woman was worked to death - but since it was "just housework", Japan's government won't acknowledge it. How her family is fighting back.

Japan’s Gender Gap Widens, According to 2022 Global Gender Gap Report

The 2022 annual Global Gender Gap Report by the WEF ranks Japan's gender gap at 116 of 145 countries. What accounts for this downward trend?

Women

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