A Tokyo-based TV anchor has been dismissed from her job and faced significant backlash after a controversial social media post criticizing men’s hygiene. Yuri Kawaguchi, a 29-year-old freelance announcer known for her feminist views and role as a lecturer on harassment prevention, sparked a heated online debate with her remarks.
In a now-deleted post on X (formerly Twitter), Kawaguchi expressed her frustration with men’s body odor during the sweltering summer months. “I’m really sorry if there’s a personal situation, but the smell of men in the summer or the body odor of unsanitary people is so uncomfortable,” she wrote, urging men to shower more frequently and use deodorant. She further added that she herself takes several showers a day and uses various hygiene products to stay fresh.
The post was met with widespread criticism, with many users accusing Kawaguchi of sexism and discrimination. Some argued that her comments unfairly targeted men and ignored the fact that body odor can affect people of all genders. Others scrutinized her personal life, including her divorce, labeling her as “materialistic” and out of touch with ordinary people’s struggles.
In response to the backlash, Kawaguchi issued a public apology, expressing regret for her remarks and vowing to reflect on her actions. Despite her apology, the controversy continued to escalate. VOICE, the agency managing Kawaguchi, announced the termination of her contract, citing “defamation of the honour of the opposite sex” as the primary reason. The agency stated it had received numerous complaints and emphasized that their principles do not support language that harms others.
Kawaguchi also lost her position as a lecturer for harassment prevention, as the firm she worked with decided to end her contract. The dismissals have sparked a debate among Japanese netizens, with some criticizing the decisions as excessive. Critics argue that the backlash reflects broader issues in Japanese society, where women’s complaints about male behavior are often met with severe reactions.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions in Japan regarding gender dynamics and expectations, with some viewing Kawaguchi’s dismissal as a reflection of the challenges women face in a male-dominated society. Others see it as an indication of the sensitivity surrounding public criticism in contemporary Japan.
Sources By Agencies
