INSIDER
“Never Hire Ugly Women”: Old Kinokuniya Hiring Memo Shows Japanese Business Has Changed
A resurfaced memo from the 1970s that came under fire when it was exposed in 1982 shows we've come a long way,…
workplace
INSIDER
JAPANESE LANGUAGE
Why Are Fewer Japanese Men Calling Themselves “Ore”?
Japan’s masculine pronoun “ore” doesn't have the juice it used to. Instead, men are choosing boku, watashi, and jibun in everyday life.
SOCIETY
Every Employer in Japan Must Now Protect Its Workers From Customer Harassment
The new national legal requirement doesn't carry any direct fines, and customers face no potential punishment for crossing the line.
SOCIETY
This New Japanese Service Will Ditch Your Partner For You
Want to break up with someone, but are afraid what their reaction might be? Japan has a service for that.
LIVING IN JAPAN
“Katakana Hell”: The Culture Shocks Japan’s Asian Immigrants Actually Face
What surprises Asian immigrants in Japan? From corporate jargon to the country's famously indirect "no," there's a lot to navigate.
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.
SOCIETY
Japan’s “Leg-Hair Harassment” Debate: What English Media Is Missing
Are Japanese women really accusing Japanese men of harassing them in the workplace with their body hair? Here are the facts.
INSIDER
Why Gender Equality is Stalling Under Japan’s First Female Prime Minister
Japan finally has its first female Prime Minister. But that isn't translating into victories for ordinary Japanese women.