General Sep 27, 2020
Gender equality in Japan gets a push from young activists
by Aya Takino
With the government seeking responses to its draft plan on the issue, youth groups have mobilized to help get their opinions heard.
Commentary / World May 19, 2020
The pandemic’s gender bias needs urgent fixing
by Elisa Martinuzzi
Women faced a century-long wait to reach parity with men before the coronavirus. Now that timeline is looking ambitious.
Lifestyle | 2019 in Review Dec 22, 2019
Japanese trends you couldn't have missed in 2019
by Kaori Shoji
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.
World / Social Issues Nov 19, 2019
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 ...
World / Science & Health Sep 24, 2019
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 ...
National Sep 2, 2019
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 ...
National / Politics Jul 5, 2019
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?
National / Social Issues Jul 2, 2019
Japan's gender problem is a 'human disaster,' says award-winning scholar Chizuko Ueno
by Yuka Nakao
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 ...
National | G20 Osaka Summit Special Jun 27, 2019
Walking the talk on gender equality issues
by Gabriela Ramos
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 ...
National / Social Issues | FOCUS Jun 10, 2019
Men force feet into high heels as Japan's #KuToo movement seeks to build on media attention
by Toma Mochizuki
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 ...
National / Social Issues Jun 2, 2019
'Don't be scared of diversity': At G(irls)20 summit, advocates push Japan on gender equality
by Magdalena Osumi
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 ...