INSIDER
Maiko: I Tried to Leave the Geisha World. They Sent Me a Bill
A former maiko who says she was harassed and abused in Japan's geisha world is now telling her story, including the enormous…
women’s rights
INSIDER
WOMEN
Japanese Woman Scolded for Taking Menstrual Leave That’s Protected by Law
Why do fewer than 1% of Japanese women use legally protected menstrual leave? One viral complaint has reignited the national debate.
WOMEN
In Japan, Sanitary Pads Are Getting Pricier. In Korea, They’re Going Free
A viral post blamed Japan's first female prime minister for higher pad costs, highlighting a highly controversial political topic.
INSIDER
Japan’s PM Says She Doesn’t Sleep. That’s Gonna Get People Killed.
Japan's PM bragged that she barely sleeps. Why the remark went over like a lead balloon in a country where "death by…
WOMEN
Why Japan’s Kyushu Got Labeled The Country’s Most Sexist Region
In early 2025, the net slang “sasu-kyū” branded Japan’s Kyushu its most male-dominated region. When Japanese gender experts and critics dug in,…
WOMEN
Japanese Announcer Uses Common-Law Marriage to Dodge Country’s Surname Law
TBS announcer Yamamoto Erika kept her name by choosing common-law marriage over a legal one - but she'll get married if the…
INSIDER
Japan Wants to Jail Men Who Buy Sex. Sex Workers Say That’ll Get Women Hurt
A majority of voices are clamoring for Japan to criminalize prostitution buyers. Here’s why the country's sex worker advocates oppose that.
SOCIETY
Japan Chain’s Women-Only Gyms Spark New Debates Over Safety vs. Fairness
A gym chain in Japan has come under fire from women for not enforcing gender restrictions - and from men for having…