Women-only parking spaces first appeared in Japan in the 1980s. They were introduced to improve safety and convenience, but they also spark debate. Supporters see them as practical and secure – but some men claim they amount to gender discrimination.
From the 1980s to today: The role of women-only parking spaces in Japan
Women-only parking spaces in Japan first appeared in the 1980s, mainly in department store parking facilities. According to the parking information site iPosNet, they remain common today in areas such as Tokyo, Aichi, and Nagano.
In urban centers and large shopping complexes, the spaces are often outlined in pink and located in bright, high-traffic areas at night to improve security. The goal is to give women a stronger sense of safety when using parking facilities.
A representative of a parking facility in the Tokyo metropolitan area said it created the spaces “to make parking easier for women who are not used to driving.” Built in the 1980s, the multi-story structure set aside 35 wider spaces for women, larger than the standard spots.
Another company representative in western Japan explained that they introduced women-only parking “as a consideration for women who are not confident in driving.” Their five-story parking facility reserves 15 such spaces on the second floor, painted pink and clearly marked as women-only. Users have said the feature helps them feel safer when parking.
These spaces aim to improve convenience for a wide range of users. Wider than standard spots, they have become established as a customer service that combines safety with ease of use.
Women’s needs and the creation of women-only parking spaces
In recent years, differences in parking behavior between men and women have drawn attention in Japan’s cities. A February 2023 survey by Agoora, a company based in Tokyo’s Suginami Ward, found that 76.2% of women said they struggle with parking, compared with 55.6% of men.
The survey covered 1,000 men and women nationwide who admitted they are not confident drivers. The results highlight a clear gender gap in attitudes toward parking. The study also showed that women place greater importance not only on convenience but also on security and ease of use when selecting a parking facility.
Standard parking spaces in Japan are about 2.5 meters wide. By contrast, some women-only facilities secure at least 2.7 meters—an 8% increase. The extra space allows drivers to open and close car doors safely and makes getting in and out more convenient. This design especially benefits pregnant women and those carrying children.
Placement is another key factor. Many facilities set up women-only spaces near entrances and in well-lit areas, reducing the burden of carrying heavy items while also strengthening security.
Why some get riled over women-only parking spaces
Women-only parking spaces aim to improve safety and convenience, but some critics call them gender discrimination. Others argue that the spaces reinforce the stereotype that women are poor drivers.
Critics also warn that these facilities may unintentionally fuel bias against women’s driving ability and create a sense of unfairness between men and women. Another perspective holds that driving skills and safety awareness depend on the individual, not gender, making division by gender inappropriate.
Many female users, however, praise the spaces for the security and convenience they provide. Supporters highlight the focus on women’s safety, especially the crime-prevention effect at night and locations near building entrances.
Still, the challenge remains how to balance safety with fairness. Some men criticize women-only parking as discriminatory and question the legal validity of introducing it in public facilities and commercial complexes. The debate links to broader discussions about gender-based services in Japan, including women-only train cars and “ladies’ day” discounts.
Opponents argue that instead of labeling spaces by gender, operators should address individual needs and driving skills. They propose gender-neutral categories such as “for beginner drivers” or “for those needing extra safety considerations.”
A gender studies scholar weighs in
Sechiyama Kaku, professor of gender studies at the University of Tokyo’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, shared his perspective on women-only parking spaces installed by private companies.
“As part of customer service, I don’t see a problem with creating spaces to accommodate women who are not confident in driving. The disadvantage for those who can’t use these spaces isn’t very large. However, if a local government were to do the same in a parking facility it operates, the issue could raise concerns under Article 14 of Japan’s Constitution, which guarantees equality under the law.”
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Sources
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