NGOs and femtech join the fight against period poverty

It’s been a few months since we covered the issue of period poverty in Japan. Tokyo’s municipalities, such as Toshima and Adachi wards, have been quick in response to the issue, and in March, they gave away sanitary products they had stockpiled for emergency purposes. While these public-led projects have been spreading in many parts of Japan, more organizations and businesses are offering a helping hand.

Shake Hands

Shake Hands is a non-profit organization established by mothers based in Inzai-city, Chiba Prefecture. This organization is committed to providing support to mothers and children in need. Their situation is more likely to be affected by the economic fallout caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Currently, their main initiative is to provide free period pads to schools and public facilities around Chiba. Those wishing to support the cause can send monetary donations or unopened period pad packages to the organization. You can even donate individual pads if they are unopened.

Redbox Japan

Redbox Japan is a community-based charity that supports young people with their periods by providing red boxes filled with period products. Through donations from individual supporters and businesses, Redbox Japan has been sending the boxes to middle and high schools in Japan. The organization also focuses on raising awareness about women’s wellness and gives talks to students. Additionally, they inform people about the environmental risks of period pads being flushed into toilets, which eventually pollute oceans. With the introduction of a plant-based bag, “FabLittleBags,” the organization aims to ensure the proper disposal of period products after use.

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The rise of Japan’s femtech companies

Femtech companies are also seeking ways to reduce the economic burden of period products. For example, period panty brand Nagi started offering 10% discounts for all of their under-22 consumers, hoping that they can extend functionality and comfort during the monthly burden. Silky Style, another femtech company, started a subscription service for their unique panties, “On de Miu.” These panties are made with heat-storage materials to keep the lower abdomen warm, promoting blood circulation. Customers will get four of these panties every six months, and one month’s worth of period pads are donated to public places such as orphanages and schools.

OiTr is a service that provides free sanitary pads in public women’s restrooms. The way it works is simple. To receive a pad, you download the free OiTr app to your phone and go to a restroom equipped with an OiTr pad dispenser. Once you open the app near the dispenser, a sanitary pad comes out. This service runs on advertisement revenue, and video commercials are auto-played once a person enters the restroom. In fact, OiTr successfully finished a trial run at a shopping mall in Saitama, receiving positive responses from the users. The company is working towards launching the service this summer.

The conversation about menstruation itself has been taboo in Japan, and many women have kept their difficulty to themselves. With public and private services and support becoming more and more available, the stigma about periods will likely subside.