Sexual images in Japan's public spacesCEFR A1
29 Dec 2025
Adapted from Jo Carter, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Vrooom Vrooom, Unsplash
- Sexual images are common in public places in Japan.
- They appear on magazine covers in small stores.
- They also show up on billboards and other signs.
- Many people worry how this affects children.
- Others worry about gender roles and public behaviour.
- Before the Tokyo Games some chains stopped adult magazine sales.
- People gave mixed reactions online after that change.
- Petitions asked stores to remove sexual magazines.
- Campaigners want schools to teach more about sex.
Difficult words
- sexual — connected with sex between people
- magazine — a small printed book with news or picturesmagazines
- billboard — a large outdoor sign with an advertisementbillboards
- petition — a written request asking for changePetitions
- campaigner — a person who works to change thingsCampaigners
- gender — the social roles of men and women
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you see sexual images in public where you live?
- Should schools teach more about sex?
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