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.
Japan urged to lift sterilization requirement for transgender recognition
Japan should "urgently" revise a law that effectively requires transgender people to be surgically sterilized if they want legal recognition of their gender identity, Human Rights Watch said Wednesday. Under a law introduced in 2004, transgender people who wish to change their official documents must ...
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 ...
Tokyo's Nakano Ward has decided to allow female students at all municipal junior high schools to choose pants as part of their uniforms starting from April.
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.
Clinic founder aims to show Japan's hospitals how to become better workplaces for women
Many female doctors at large hospitals operating around the clock have no choice but to put their careers on hold when they become pregnant or give birth, and eventually end up quitting without being able to gain further experience. To change this, Chizuko Kuwae, 66, ...
Japan top court upholds 'sterilization' rule for gender change
Human rights and LGBT activists on Friday denounced a ruling by Japan's Supreme Court upholding a law that effectively requires transgender people to be sterilized before they can have their gender changed on official documents. The court said the law is constitutional because it was ...
