WOMEN
Japan’s Youngest Female Mayor Says She’ll Take Maternity Leave, Ignites a Backlash
Kawata Shoko, Japan's youngest female mayor, said she's taking maternity and parental leave. Here's why some in Japan say that's wrong.
gender equality
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WOMEN
INSIDER
Japan’s Polls on an Empress Miss an Important Distinction
Princess Aiko is very popular. Many wouldn't mind her becoming Empress. But critics say the polls are misleading. And they're right.
WOMEN
Tokyo Court Denies Japanese Women’s Right to Sterilization Surgery
Five women in their 20s and 30s challenged a 1996 law that prevents them from controlling their own biology.
WOMEN
Japan’s New Guidelines for Women’s Toilets Have Men Online Hopping Mad
The country will recommend buildings provide more facilities for women than men, bringing Japan closer to international standards.
SEX & NIGHTLIFE
Love Hotel Scandal Claims Career of Japanese City Mayor
Ex-mayor Ogawa Akira insists the 10+ times she went to a love hotel with another city employee were strictly business.
INSIDER
Men Think Japan’s First Female PM Will Address the Gender Gap. Women Aren’t So Sure
Japan has one of the worst gender gaps in the world. Polls show many don't think the country's first female prime minister…
POLITICS
“Honorary Man”: Takaichi Sanae Scorned, Shunned by Japanese Feminists
The woman who may be Japan's first prime minister is under fire for her "fossil-like thinking" on women's rights.
INSIDER
Will Separate Spousal Surnames Finally Become Law?
A new bill would allow women in Japan to keep their maiden names. Does it stand a snowball's chance in hell of…