In Japan, power and sexual harassment are well-known issues that persist despite sparking strong social movements against them. New types of unwelcome behavior, some with names unique to this country, are being identified: customer, mood, odor, patient, maternity and paternity harassment. The Mainichi examines those that made headlines in 2024.

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Beloved public bathhouse near Tokyo to end 57-yr history due to customer harassment

TOKYO -- A public bathhouse near Tokyo beloved by local residents for over half a century has announced that it will shut down later this month, citing harassment and other nuisance behavior by customers as the primary reason. Full story.

'Odor harassment' lowers job morale in Japan; some tips for workers, companies

TOKYO -- As the weather gets hot and humid, the sweaty season has arrived in Japan. Lots of people likely worry about their own scent, but they should also keep in mind that unwelcome odors at the workplace risk being considered "smell harassment" by those around them. Full story.

'Patient harassment' becoming major issue at Japan hospitals

FUKUOKA -- At medical institutions across Japan, "patient harassment" is on the rise, with medical workers subjected to verbal abuse, violence and other unwanted behavior by patients and their relatives. In serious cases, workers have had to quit due to the psychological damage. Changes brought about by the coronavirus pandemic are being cited as a cause. Full story.

Sighing at workplace seen as 'mood harassment'; Japan psychiatrist offers tips

TOKYO -- Work got you down? Try to catch yourself before letting the stress out with a sigh -- it could be considered "mood harassment" by those around you. Full story.

East Japan police thank 4 boys for saving woman from harassment by stranger

SODEGAURA, Chiba -- A group of four high school students recently received letters of thanks from police here after helping a woman who was being harassed by a stranger. Full story.

'I want to kiss you': Sexual harassment of female entrepreneurs rife in Japan

TOKYO -- It was three years ago that a female business owner in Japan was suddenly hit with a proposition from a male employee of one of her business partners.

"I'm looking for a mistress," the worker told her. Full story.

News Navigator: What is 'customer harassment' and how is Japan dealing with it?

The Mainichi Shimbun answers some common questions readers may have about the phenomenon of so-called "customer harassment." Full story.

Half of power harassment victims in Japan reluctantly accept it: survey

TOKYO -- Two out of three young and mid-career employees in Japan have been victims of power harassment, and half of them have reluctantly accepted it, a survey conducted by Workport Inc., a Tokyo-based staffing service provider, has shown. Full story.

Glass ceiling remains rock solid in Japanese politics. What can be done?

TOKYO -- Japan has made abysmal progress in women's participation in politics, with women expected to make up less than 20% of candidates in the next House of Representatives election -- the second general election to be held after the political gender parity law came into effect in 2018. The Mainichi Shimbun looked into the obstacles blocking women's advancement in Japanese politics. Full story.

Kyoto man who sought no late-night work for child care sues employer over demotion

KYOTO -- A local man here sued a Hokkaido-based music box shop operator on Nov. 20, claiming that the company demoted him and moved him to a subsidiary after he requested limitations on his work hours to take care of his child in line with company regulations. Full story.