Differences in Workplace Sexual Harassment Between Japan and the U.S.

Asahi Shimbun Morning Edition – June 19, 1999

It is common knowledge that comments like “You’re ugly” or “You’ve gained weight” are unacceptable. However, many men still casually say things like “You look pretty lately,” “Why did you cut your hair?” or “Are you still not married?”

Sexual harassment is often perceived as an issue of how the victim feels, as it involves making someone uncomfortable. However, in its strict definition, it refers to using one’s power to coerce someone into a sexual relationship. An older man telling a new employee, “You should have an affair,” would be considered a serious offense.

Recently, there was a case where a new employee, who had overcome a highly competitive hiring process to secure a general position at a company, encountered sexual harassment from a superior during training. The stark contrast between the company’s reputation for cutting-edge business strategies and its internal culture outraged the employee, leading to their resignation.

While corporate tolerance of sexual harassment has been legally challenged in the U.S., universities and workplaces in Japan continue to struggle with widespread harassment.

The 1994 film Disclosure illustrates how the U.S. is a step ahead in addressing sexual harassment. The story revolves around a company developing virtual reality software, where Michael Douglas's character finds himself working under his former lover, played by Demi Moore, who is now his superior.

Despite being seduced by his attractive boss, the male protagonist manages to resist. However, when he returns to work the next day, he finds himself accused of sexual harassment instead. He decides to take legal action.

The film intertwines a corporate merger conspiracy with cutting-edge themes, incorporating computer networks and virtual reality imagery. The sexual harassment lawsuit unfolds dramatically, with testimonies delving into intimate details. A particularly striking scene shows the protagonist’s wife enduring the trial, sitting by his side in support.

In Japan, where equal employment opportunities are still not fully established, a story where a woman commits sexual harassment feels somewhat distant from reality. However, let’s imagine a scenario where a woman is the victim of sexual harassment and files a lawsuit. In such a case, it is difficult to picture a husband sitting beside his wife, supporting her through the trial. Why is that?