Japan Press Weekly

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2019 January 9 - 15 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Shinfujin denounces weekly magazine’s article for insulting women

The New Japan Women’s Association (Shinfujin) on January 9 sent a written protest to the editor and the publisher of a weekly men’s magazine, denouncing the magazine’s sexist article.

Fusosha Publishing Inc.’s “Shukan SPA!” magazine in its December 25, 2018 issue carried an article showing a ranking list of universities whose female students it claims are easy to sleep with.

The Shinfujin document criticizes this article for insulting all women and indirectly accepting acts of sexual violence. It stresses that the article regards women as mere objects of sexual desire and presents a biased view of women, which is tantamount to a human rights violation. The document demands an apology and measures to prevent a recurrence.

The document also states that although the chief editor two days earlier issued an apology in the face of public criticism, it was totally insufficient as it showed no remorse over the damage the article caused concerning women’s human rights and the dignity and honor of universities listed.

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Shinfujin on January 9 submitted a letter of protest to Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Hirasawa Katsuei, saying that his remark discriminating against sexual minorities is impermissible and that he should resign as a House of Representatives member. The letter is also addressed to Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

The letter stresses that Hirasawa’s remark that an increase in LGBTQ population would lead to a risk of Japan’s extinction is unacceptable as it denies the right to personal self-determination concerning sexual orientation and gender identity and undermines people’s dignity.

The Shinfujin document states that Hirasawa’s remark has made it clear again that the LDP is ignorant of and indifferent to the basic human rights of sexual minorities. It also said that PM Abe should be also blamed for not speaking out against the discriminatory remarks by Hirasawa and other LDP politicians and that Abe should step down.