
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
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Starbucks Japan adds new Sweet Potato Frappuccino and Latte to the menu, but do they deliver the taste of autumn?
American tourist in Japan arrested on charges of attempted murder and arson
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026
Solo travel in Japan: $3 all-you-can-drink deal at this conveyor belt restaurant is a fun time for one
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
German woman rescued from Mt. Fuji after suffering altitude sickness symptoms, hiking to peak anyway
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Family Mart releases new Human Made Cup Noodle in Japan, with freebies for Nigo fans
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
One Piece Day 2026 brings new art, music, and new cast announcements
Hikaru Utada sings new song in Shinkansen commercial for Japan’s Supreme Class cabins
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japanese women sound off on the line separating a male friend and a boyfriend
Do Japanese people kiss on the first date? Survey investigates
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