Why Japan needs more forceful defence
EconomistAPR 2022
Harassment in Japan, particularly of a sexual nature, is part of a broader problem in Japan's justice system. Though the government has recently taken steps to provide more legal protection to victims, there's an underlying cultural issue enabling this. Not only must Japan codify laws to clearly state which conduct is allowed, but it also must restructure its culture so new generations don't accept such despicable behavior as normal.
While Japanese women were historically confined to household or administrative tasks, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's "womenomics" policy in 2013 began to elevate their roles in the military. There's been a noticeable progression in the SDF, with women entering roles previously reserved for men. These advancements underscore a shift towards empowering women and a broader shift towards more equitable values and institutions to hold violators of these values accountable.