NPO to spread awareness of sexual consent among Japan’s youth

Having a proper understanding of sexual consent is essential to protect ourselves and avoid hurting someone. Each country regulates the age of consent. Japan’s age of consent, at 13, is very low by global standards.

There is also a general lack of sex education. As a result, many, especially young people, are unable to recognize when they have been sexually assaulted due to a lack of knowledge. In response, some organizations are striving to spread awareness of sexual consent.

One in 24 people have experienced forced sexual intercourse

In Japan, sex education is inadequate because talking openly about sex is often considered taboo. Many people, therefore, have uninformed perceptions about sexual consent. For example, when people are in a romantic relationship or when an individual comes to stay over at a house, many people consider these situations as consent to engage in sexual activities. Very few people are aware of the need to consent each time, regardless of their relationship.

According to a survey, about 1 in 24 people, and about 1 in 14 women have experienced forced sexual intercourse. Of these, 59.9% haven’t talked to anyone about their victimization.

Sexual harassment also occurs frequently in public places. Women, in particular, are often the victims. Another survey by #WeToo Japan shows that about 40% of women in their 20s and 50% of women in their 30s have experienced public sexual harassment.

Mimosas strives to improve sex education with practical handbook about sexual consent

The non-profit organization Mimosas works to bring information about sexual consent to the younger generation. On social media and their website, Mimosas provides practical information on what sexual violence is and what to do if one is the victim of, or witnesses sexual harassment.

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NPO法人 mimosas（ミモザ）(@mimosas_jp)がシェアした投稿

Recently, Mimosas has created a handbook with such information. Under the supervision of experts, the handbook explains sexual consent and sexual victimization in an easy-to-understand manner and includes a consultation list in case you are victimized. The crowdfunding campaign to create this handbook raised approximately 2.5 million yen. Mimosas plans to distribute more than 6,000 handbooks to more than 17 schools and organizations.

Educating young people about “My body, my choice”

Practical sex education, including sexual consent and the age of consent, is essential to create a safe society for everyone. This handbook is beneficial for those worried about sex education for their children. We hope that valuable information such as in the handbook will gradually spread in Japan and help normalize and promote sex education.