Yuri Kawaguchi, a 29-year-old Tokyo-based information anchor and professor on abuse prevention, lost her job and faced substantial online backlash after a social media post in which she criticized people’s health behavior went viral. In the summer, Kawakuchi expressed her concerns over men’s body scent, which led to public attention and repercussions from her companies.
In a now-deleted article on X, Kawaguchi wrote,” I’m truly sorry if there’s a specific position, but the taste of men in the summer or the physique odour of unsafe people is thus uncomfortable”.
She further added,” I want to be clean, so I take several showers a day, use freshening wipes, and apply sweat inhibitors year-round. I believe more people ought to do this.
Her comments immediately caused a backlash online, where many people accused her of demonizing men and perpetuating sex discrimination. Reviewers argued that her remarks were insulting and that health issues are not just a man’s problem.
” Only blaming people is infuriating and certainly discrimination. Women, particularly older women, you have body fragrance too. I’m really miserable with this”, one person commented.
As Kawaguchi’s personal career, including her marriage, were being scrutinized by the government, the discussion grew. She faced severe condemnation and was labeled as “materialistic” and “out of effect” with the challenges faced by ordinary folks.
In response to the increasing censure, Kawaguchi issued a public explanation. ” I regret how many people were offended and hurt by my negligent notes. I lack the maturity of a person who works with thoughts. I did make an effort to make sure I never hurt someone with my thoughts from now on. I am really guilty. “, she said.
Despite her explanation, the implications were sharp. VOICE, the bureau representing Kawaguchi, terminated her commitment, citing “defamation of the glory of the same sex” as the cause.
Also, another business that employed Kawaguchi as a harassment prevention professor even terminated their relationship with her.
The decision to terminate Kawaguchi’s deals sparked mixed reactions among Asian users. Some people criticized the actions of the businesses as being” too extreme,” while others saw the situation as a reflection of the difficulties women in Japan’s male-dominated society.
” A lady asks people to be nice and maintain etiquette, yet it triggers outrage. One commenter remarked,” It only shows that Japan has been a male-dominated world for very long.”
Another added,” Why are Japanese people so sensitive? They don’t handle a bit of censure. Women are expected to keep beauty, purity, and exercise without complaint, yet males face no such expectations. If that is n’t gender bias, then what is”?
In Japan, the tragedy has sparked a broader discussion about sex expectations, cultural standards, and the effects of speaking out on issues related to gender and health.
