Sexual images in Japan's public spacesCEFR A2
29 Dec 2025
Adapted from Jo Carter, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by Vrooom Vrooom, Unsplash
Sexual images appear often in Japan, from magazines in convenience stores to billboards in cities. Many people are concerned about how these images influence children, gender roles and behaviour in public.
After years of visible erotic content, several big convenience-store chains said before the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games that they would stop selling adult magazines nationwide. Online responses were mixed, with some praising the move and others saying it came after outside scrutiny. In October 2025 a Change.org petition asked stores to remove sexually explicit magazines.
At the same time people worry about sexualised adverts online and children seeing sexual content in games and manga. Campaigners also call for better, more realistic sex education in schools.
Difficult words
- erotic — showing or relating to sexual behaviour or images
- explicit — clear and showing details, not hidden
- petition — a written request signed by many people
- scrutiny — careful and public examination or attention
- campaigner — a person who works to change public opinionCampaigners
- sexualised — made to seem more sexual than normal
- gender role — the social expectations for people of each sexgender roles
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think stores should remove adult magazines? Why or why not?
- How should schools give better, more realistic sex education?
- Have you seen sexual images in public where you live? How did that make you feel?
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