15 Million Japanese Men Classified as ‘Underprivileged’

Tokyo, April 24, 2024 – A landmark study conducted by journalist Anna Toi and Professor Shinsuke Ikeda from Otaru University of Commerce has brought to light a staggering issue in Japanese society, identifying approximately 15 million men as “underprivileged” due to multiple socio-economic challenges.

The study, detailed in the book “The Age of 15 Million Underprivileged Men,” provides a harrowing look into the lives of men who face profound vulnerabilities such as poverty, disability, and a range of socioeconomic barriers that significantly disadvantage them in society.

Key Findings of the Study:

• Increased Risk of Violence: Men are statistically more likely to be victims of murder and to suffer from domestic violence, including verbal, financial, and emotional abuse from their partners.
• Lack of Support: The study highlights a dramatic disparity in support systems, with only one non-profit organization dedicated to these men for every 4,000 organizations focused on aiding underprivileged women.
• Self-Blame and Societal Pressures: A significant 75% of these men attribute their hardships to personal failings, despite the root causes often being external, such as economic downturns and childhood abuse.

Cultural Context and Gender Expectations:

The findings are particularly striking given Japan’s cultural context, where traditional gender roles are deeply ingrained. Japanese men are burdened with expectations of ‘masculinity’ that often deter them from reporting abuses or vulnerabilities. This societal pressure exacerbates their plight and isolates them further.

Anna Toi, co-author of the study, emphasized the urgency of the situation: “For the first time, we have data quantifying the staggering number of talented yet underprivileged Japanese men deprived of opportunities in our rapidly ageing society. These individuals face systemic barriers preventing them from realizing their full potential.”

A Call for Societal and Policy Changes:

This study not only challenges the prevailing narratives around gender discrimination in Japan, which has traditionally focused on the disadvantages faced by women, but also calls for an immediate societal and policy response to address these deeply rooted gender biases.

As Japan continues to reckon with its place in the 2023 Global Gender Gap Report, where it ranked 125th, this research sheds light on the other side of gender discrimination, urging a balanced approach to gender equality that includes addressing the often overlooked issues faced by men.

The revelations from this study represent a pivotal moment for gender discussions in Japan, suggesting a shift towards a more inclusive understanding of what true equality should entail.