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.
women
Page 2
WOMEN
SOCIETY
Why Some Big Japan Brands Are Quitting Baby Products
The two companies say the decisions have nothing to do with population decline. Indeed, there are signs the baby business in Japan…
INSIDER
[Insider] The Three Tactics Japan’s Hosts Use to Saddle Women with Soul-Crushing Debt
The rules and agreements meant to help save women from the worst abuses aren't helping, as clubs have already figured out a…
INSIDER
[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.
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Why Are More Japanese Girls Calling Themselves “Boku”?
How do you refer to yourself in Japanese? For most women, it’s some variant of "watashi." But for many young girls, the…
WOMEN
Solo Weddings: Why Japanese Women Are Saying “I Do” to…Themselves
Japan's marriage rate has tumbled to a postwar low. But the country's bridal industry isn't shrinking: it's pivoting.
SOCIETY
Illicit GLP-1 Trade Thrives Among Kabukicho’s Toyoko Kids – and Across Japan
GLP-1 drugs aren't approved for dietary use in Japan. That's led to a thriving black market in the streets of Tokyo and…
WOMEN
Japanese Con Cafe Worker Called “Hero” for Stabbing Train Groper with Safety Pin
A con cafe worker's tweet about stabbing a groper's hand with a safety pin on her morning commute drew near-universal praise.