'I couldn't move': Japanese male office workers experience simulated menstrual pain

EXEO

08/03/2024 01:48

By Akiko Okamoto and Irene Wang
       TOKYO, March 8 (Reuters) - Male office workers at a
telecoms firm in Tokyo have experienced simulated menstrual pain
to help them become more sympathetic toward female colleagues
ahead of International Women's Day on Friday.
    EXEO Group  1951.T  workers winced at a company event on
Thursday as a "perionoid" device sent electric signals via pads
placed below the navel to stimulate the lower stomach muscle and
induce a cramping sensation.
    "I couldn't move. It hurt to the point where I couldn't
stand," said 26-year-old Masaya Shibasaki after using the device
jointly developed by researchers at Nara Women's University and
startup Osaka Heat Cool.
    "I now understand women have to work while fighting this
pain every month. It's actually amazing how women can do that. I
really respect them," Shibasaki said.
    EXEO said it wants to create an environment where its more
than 90% male workforce can be more supportive of female peers,
including when it comes to taking menstrual leave.
    Companies in Japan are legally required to allow women to
take menstrual leave. However, there is no requirement for the
time off to be paid and surveys showed around half of female
workers never take it.
    "We hope those who experienced (menstrual pain) today go
back to their workplace and speak about how they felt, and
spread their understanding," said EXEO public relations officer
Maki Ogura.

 (Reporting by Akiko Okamoto and Irene Wang; Editing by John
Geddie and Christopher Cushing)
 ((John.Geddie@thomsonreuters.com; +81 80 7264 2833;))