When most people think of Japan, they often picture beautiful cherry blossoms, cute characters like Hello Kitty, and advanced technology. The country is known for its politeness, respect for tradition, and orderly society, which many admire. These positive aspects, for example, its beauty, creativity, and cultural values, are usually what come to mind, especially for people outside Japan.

However, this idealized image doesn’t always reflect the more complex issues hidden beneath the surface. Japan’s society is still largely shaped by patriarchal values, where male power is dominant, and women are often marginalized. This leads to problems like gender inequality and sexual exploitation, which are often ignored or overlooked. The culture surrounding pornography, for instance, can sometimes mask more serious forms of abuse. While Japan may seem harmonious on the outside, these deeper social challenges, especially regarding the treatment of women, often remain unspoken and unnoticed.