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.
sexism
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WOMEN
INSIDER
“Utility Pole Girls”: Japanese Media Has a Demeaning New Buzzword for Women
A survey of 3,000 women found 58% identified with the phenomenon. But it's the label that has people riled up.
INSIDER
Princess in a Bikini: Japan Lashes Out at Grok, X’s Nonconsensual Lewds Bot
A new wave of deepfakes enabled by the social media network's Grok chatbot is angering Japanese cosplayers and artists.
SEX & NIGHTLIFE
As Overseas Sex Work From Japan Booms, Solo Female Travelers Face Border Trouble
More Japanese women are going overseas for prostitution. That's leading to women outside the industry being turned back at the border.
BUSINESS AND ECONOMY
Japanese Online Marketplace Bans Fetal Ultrasounds To Stop Alleged Scams
A viral social media post raised fears that scammers would use the pics to blackmail men for either money or marriage.
ENTERTAINMENT
Why a Marcille Cosplay at Osaka Expo Resulted in Death Threats
A Japanese cosplayer opened up recently about the slander and threats she received for appearing at Expo as the popular character.
WOMEN
Japanese Business Org Only Wants Geisha Under 25 Because Men Like ‘Em Young
The city's Chamber of Commerce has a Leonard DiCaprio Rule for new geisha, saying they can't be older than 25.
POLITICS
Japanese Politician Gets Death Threats After Championing Free Sanitary Products
Some freaked out over Yoshida Ayaka's suggestion after conservative gadfly Sugita Mio bashed her on social media.