In a now-deleted publish on X, Kawaguchi wrote, “I am actually sorry if there is a private scenario, however the odor of males in the summertime or the physique odour of unsanitary individuals is so uncomfortable.”
She additional added, “I need to be clear, so I take a number of showers a day, use freshening wipes, and apply sweat inhibitors year-round.I believe extra males ought to do that.”
Her feedback shortly sparked backlash on-line, with many accusing her of concentrating on males and perpetuating gender discrimination. Critics argued that hygiene points will not be unique to males, and that her remarks have been offensive.
“Solely blaming males is infuriating and undoubtedly discrimination. Ladies, particularly older ladies, can have physique odour too. I am actually uncomfortable with this,” one person commented.
The controversy round Kawaguchi grew as particulars of her private life, together with her divorce, have been scrutinized by the general public. She confronted harsh criticism and was labeled as “materialistic” and “out of contact” with the realities confronted by atypical individuals.
In response to the growing criticism, Kawaguchi issued a public apology. “I deeply remorse that my careless remarks offended and harm many individuals. I used to be immature as somebody who works with phrases. Any more, I’ll try to verify I by no means harm anybody with my phrases. I’m really sorry.,” she mentioned.
Regardless of her apology, the repercussions have been swift. VOICE, the company representing Kawaguchi, terminated her contract, citing “defamation of the honour of the alternative intercourse” as the explanation.
Moreover, one other firm that employed Kawaguchi as a lecturer for harassment prevention additionally ended their contract together with her.
The choice to terminate Kawaguchi’s contracts sparked combined reactions amongst Japanese netizens. Some criticized the businesses’ actions as “too excessive,” whereas others noticed the scenario as a mirrored image of the challenges ladies face in Japan’s male-dominated society.
“A lady asks males to be tidy and preserve decorum, but it triggers outrage. It simply exhibits that Japan has been a male-dominated society for too lengthy,” one commenter famous.
One other added, “Why are Japanese males so delicate? They can not deal with a little bit of criticism. Ladies are anticipated to keep up magnificence, cleanliness, and health with out grievance, but males face no such expectations. If that is not gender bias, then what’s?”
The incident has sparked a broader dialog in Japan about gender expectations, societal norms, and the results of talking out on points associated to gender and hygiene.
