#Japan #Tokyo #ELIS #Daio Paper #Scholarship Napkin

Overview of the 'Scholarship Napkin Project'

Daio Paper Corporation, based in Tokyo, has been producing the leading brand of sanitary products under the brand name "Elis". Since its launch in 2022, the "meet my elis" initiative has aimed to address menstruation issues by respecting diversity and being attuned to individual menstrual experiences. As part of this initiative, the company has been running a program named "Scholarship Napkin," providing free sanitary napkins for one year to students facing difficulties in accessing menstrual products. For the 2025 fiscal year, 2,000 students benefited from this program.

To assess the project's effectiveness, Daio Paper conducted a final survey focusing on the experiences of scholarship recipients. Among the 999 participants across various educational levels, findings highlighted significant improvements in students' comfort related to menstrual hygiene management.

Key Findings of the Final Survey

1. Increased Change Frequency: A substantial number of respondents reported that receiving the scholarship napkins led to an increased frequency of changing their sanitary products. This freedom allowed many to exchange products without the stress of counting their supplies, fostering a sense of security during their menstrual cycles. Many students reported an improvement in skin conditions related to menstrual hygiene, such as reduced rashes and odors.

2. Social Understanding of Menstruation: Despite the positive feedback regarding the scholarship napkin initiative, when respondents were asked about societal understanding of menstruation, less than half (49.5%) felt that there had been meaningful changes. Calls for deeper understanding and support for menstrual health from society, including both men and women, were prevalent in the responses.

3. Embarrassment in Discussing Menstruation: Approximately 59.7% of participants admitted feeling embarrassed discussing menstruation with those around them. Reasons included the presence of men in conversations, the perception that menstruation is a taboo topic, and personal insecurities regarding the variability of menstrual experiences. However, 29.4% of respondents felt more comfortable, expressing that menstruation is a natural phenomenon and that many share similar concerns.

Continuing Efforts for 2026

Recognizing the varying challenges faced by individuals regarding menstrual health, Elis is committed to continuing the scholarship napkin initiative into the next fiscal year, with applications for the 2026 scholarship program opening on April 8, 2026. Collaborative support from over 25 companies and organizations illustrates the growing communal empathy toward menstrual health issues. The goal remains to foster a culture where issues surrounding menstruation are acknowledged and normalized within society.

Through the responses gathered from the final survey, it is clear that while significant advances are being made for individual comfort and health, there remains a significant gap in societal understanding. Elis's commitment to addressing this gap demonstrates the vital work still needed.

Aiming for a holistic understanding of menstruation, there is a continuous call for educational efforts that promote the normalization of menstrual discussions in various environments, including schools and workplaces. Incremental policy changes, such as the establishment of menstrual leave and the accessibility of free sanitary products in public institutions, are part of the vision for a more inclusive future.

About the 'meet my elis' Project

The "meet my elis" project aims to assure individuals that they are not alone in their menstrual journey. The brand's messaging emphasizes personal connection, encouraging individuals to explore menstrual products that cater to their unique needs. Through initiatives like the Scholarship Napkin, the company actively seeks to foster dialogue and awareness around menstruation, ultimately striving for a society where menstrual health is openly supported and acknowledged.

In conclusion, while the Scholarship Napkin project has had a profound impact on many students' lives, the need for broader societal change remains critical. Daio Paper, through the Elis brand, continues to champion these efforts, aspiring to create a world where menstrual health is understood, respected, and supported for everyone.