feminism
Sexy schoolgirl or stylized kimono-clad character? Which is better for advertising agricultural products?
Otaku, artists, feminists, and a Tokyo assemblyman weigh in on the controversial crotch-revealing image.
Hair care brand shines a light on outdated practice that forces women to sport the “job-hunting hairstyle” in order to gain employment.
The status of women in Japan is changing and the Japanese language is being modified along with it. Let’s see how women are viewed these days by surveying some of the modern Japanese words used to describe them.
The new ad campaign addresses a variety of behaviours that should be avoided while travelling on trains, but so far, this is the only act that they’re calling indecent.
Although the protester that managed to infiltrate the European Central Bank’s monthly press conference recently got plenty of media attention with her clever deployment of a so-called “Glitter Bomb” – that is, she scattered the notoriously-difficult-to-remove, fabulous substance everywhere – her protest method of choice came a few months too late.
Everyone knows, of course, that the disruptive substance du jour now is the dial-a-bag of dongs. Glitter is just so yesterday. But, our intrepid protester is still getting her due time in the spotlight in Japan because of her resemblance to a certain anime character.
It’s no secret that Japan continually lands at the bottom in global gender gap reports. In 2012, the World Economic Forum ranked Japan 101 in regard to women’s participation in the economy and politics. In 2013, Japan placed 105 (out of 135 countries), putting it behind Burkina Faso in gender equality.
Based on these findings, you may think it doesn’t seem like Japan is a very good country for women, but you’d be wrong. While there are huge shortcomings in gender gaps in the workplace, economy and politics, in other sectors of Japanese society some would would argue that Japanese women have “too much” power.
Let’s take a look at five areas where women are most powerful in Japan.









Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
We traveled almost 400 miles to get popcorn from this ninja machine, but do we regret it?【Photos】
Racing into our stomachs this winter are motorcycle fuel tank-shaped bento
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan’s Valentine’s chocolate Slimes let you say you say I love you like the Dragon Quest mascot
Bear meat noodles?!? Tokyo restaurant adds a new kind of niku soba to its menu【Taste test】
Japan super budget dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at McDonald’s?
Do Japanese women check out each other’s lingerie at the hot springs? Survey investigates
It’s naked time: An American’s first onsen experience 【Video】
Hypnosis bar opens in Tokyo, with prizes for those who don’t fall into a hypnotic state
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Visiting Japan’s Gyarados Pokémon park in the city with a special connection to Magikarp【Photos】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Japanese vending machine serves up unique drinks at four Tokyo train stations
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Bear meat noodles?!? Tokyo restaurant adds a new kind of niku soba to its menu【Taste test】
Japan super budget dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at McDonald’s?
Do Japanese women check out each other’s lingerie at the hot springs? Survey investigates
It’s naked time: An American’s first onsen experience 【Video】
Hypnosis bar opens in Tokyo, with prizes for those who don’t fall into a hypnotic state
Want to boost your ego? Head to the new Homeru “Praise” Bar in Osaka
How to do an overnight bus trip to Hirosaki from Tokyo – Part 2【Photos】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Umamusume anime cosplayers make news in U.S. for their pro football fandom【Video】
Insane Lump of Meat Curry, a.k.a. “Bam! Hearty Tender Meat Curry,” returns to Japan’s CoCo Ichi
Japanese vending machine serves up unique drinks at four Tokyo train stations
English-speaking-only bar opens in Osaka and Tokyo, yellow cards for those who don’t follow rules