Japanese trends you couldn't have missed in 2019
Amid the hard news of the past year, there were some trends that lit up Japan's media offered the nation a sense of, if not a little hope, at least some relief.
A few years ago Emily Gardner, who identifies as "more feminine than not," instructed family members of a new preference to be referred to as "they" rather than "she." The 23-year-old represents a growing trend among progressive Americans, who are claiming a right to choose ...
Traditional gender roles: Women and men found to respond differently in disasters
Women and men caught up in disasters respond differently, with women quick to take shelter or prepare to evacuate, but often struggling to persuade the men in their families to do so, research suggests. Traditional gender roles also emerge after a disaster with women becoming ...
In Ehime, G20 labor ministers call for more elderly-friendly working environments
Labor ministers from the Group of 20 (G20) major economies on Monday adopted a joint statement calling for safe and healthy working environments for elderly people as the populations of their countries' continue to gray. At the end of the two-day gathering in Matsuyama, Ehime ...
Female candidates in Japan Upper House poll at record 28%, but hitting 30% Diet target doubtful
The ratio of female candidates is at an all-time high, but can the government reach its goal of raising the percentage of women in the Diet to 30 percent?
Japan's gender problem is a 'human disaster,' says award-winning scholar Chizuko Ueno
After several high-profile incidents in recent years shone the spotlight on Japan's problems with sexism, a Japanese women's studies pioneer has been granted special recognition from Finland, a leading country in promoting gender equality. Chizuko Ueno, a sociologist and prominent feminist figure in Japan, last ...
Walking the talk on gender equality issues
On Friday in Osaka, Group of 20 leaders will convene to discuss the most pressing global challenges of our time, and that will include women's empowerment. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's womenomics push has certainly impressed many, including myself, since it was announced six years ...
Men force feet into high heels as Japan's #KuToo movement seeks to build on media attention
Men jam their feet into high-heeled shoes and walk back and forth, some falteringly, others with unlikely confidence. Some women watch, gauging the men's reactions while sympathizing with each other's stories about wearing the torturous items masquerading as fashion. They were all participants in a ...
'Don't be scared of diversity': At G(irls)20 summit, advocates push Japan on gender equality
Born to a Nigerian father and a Japanese mother, Irene Evbade-dan recalls valuable lessons from her parents on the importance of treating people with respect, regardless of their age, gender or background. She took those lessons to heart. Knowing firsthand the challenges children with different ...
Women pass scandal-hit Tokyo Medical University's entrance exam at higher rate than men
The ratio for women was 20.2 percent, 0.4 percentage point higher than that of men, following revelations of years of gender-based discrimination.
Nearly half of LGBT graduates in Japan report having uncomfortable experiences in job interviews
Over 40 percent of lesbian, gay and bisexual students and over 80 percent of transgender students in Japan had uncomfortable experiences during job interviews, a survey by a nonprofit organization showed Wednesday. "Company officials in charge of personnel affairs should be aware that job-hunting students ...
Two Tokyo wards to allow female students to wear pants for school uniform
Starting in April, Tokyo’s Nakano Ward will allow female students at all municipal junior high schools to choose pants as part of their uniform, and Setagaya Ward will also allow the same option.
