
Survey solicits sentiments of those with “impoverished breasts.”
While Japanese society is unabashedly outspoken in its appreciation of large breasts, the country doesn’t have an exclusively buxom population. To that effect, the Japanese language has a varied vocabulary that can be used to talk about differing bust sizes, with hinyuu, literally “impoverished breasts,” on the smaller edge of the spectrum.
In one of its most recent polls, Japanese Internet survey site Minna no Koe asked what experiences and thoughts often come to women with hinyuu, and got the following top 10 answers from 3,772 female respondents.
10. My breasts won’t get bigger, no matter how much milk I drink. (119 votes)
Since the end of World War II, milk has been pushed by nationalists in Japan as a source of protein, and its Western culinary origins contribute to a perception that drinking plenty of moo juice will make you tall and/or chesty. Things didn’t turn out that way for this group, though.
9. I’ve tried doing special exercises to make them bigger. (132 votes)
8. People tell me “You’re lucky to be so slender.” (187 votes)
7. I’ve only got a fuzzy idea of what this “cleavage” thing is supposed to be. (262 votes)
6. Even with small breasts, I get stiff shoulders. (334 votes)
5. I believe someday they’ll get bigger. (337 votes)
4. I’ve gone out for the day without wearing a bra. (367 votes)
3. There isn’t anything I can balance on them. (395 votes)
Had the poll been held a few months earlier, odds are this wouldn’t have made the list. But now we’re living in the time of the Tawawa Challenge, and some smaller-chested women are feeling left out of the fun.
2. They don’t get in the way when I run. (679 votes)
1. My lower body looks pretty thick. (698 votes)
With Japanese women’s breasts, on average, becoming reportedly larger, these thoughts and situations may become less common in the future, but for the time-being, they’re a part of life for the women who responded to the survey.
Source: Minna no Koe
Top image: Pakutaso
Insert images: Pakutaso (1, 2, 3)
[ Read in Japanese ]




Survey picks “thin” as second-least-attractive body type for Japanese women
Japanese survey picks “slightly plump” as the cutest body type for women
10 realities about life with large breasts, according to Japanese survey
Japanese women reveal the worst ways they’ve been dumped by their partners
Japanese women asked what they would do if they had a man’s body for one day in survey
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Japanese train company brings back beloved “patapata” departure board…with a clever digital twist
Foreign resident of Japan arrested after spraying bear repellant inside post office
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Do Japanese people kiss on the first date? Survey investigates
Japanese women sound off on the line separating a male friend and a boyfriend
Japanese diners pick their eight favorite types of sushi, create mouthwatering dinner blueprint
Size, shape, or suppleness – What does Japan want in a pair of breasts?【Survey】
Four misinformed fantasies men have about Japanese women, according to university students
What jobs would make a woman an attractive wife to Japanese men?【Survey】
What’s the minimum amount of money Japanese women want their husbands to earn? Survey investigates
Japanese men list seven traits that would make it impossible for them to date a woman
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Is the ideal spouse someone who’s your best friend or your war buddy? Japanese singles sound off
Food, sleep, or sex? Survey asks Japanese people which they can’t live without
Survey asks Japanese women if they’d rather date a guy who’s experienced with women or not
What’s more important in making a great anime, characters or story? Japanese fans sound off