#Japan #Tokyo #Kao #Menstruation #Fan Activities

Insights from Kao's Survey on Menstruation for Young Fans

Kao's subsidiary, Laurier, has recently conducted a study focusing on how menstruation impacts the lifestyles of young women engaged in fan activities, specifically those aged between 18 and 25. The survey brought to light some surprising findings about the intersection of menstruation, personal activities, and fan culture.

The Joy and Challenge of Support Activities

The study involved 1,089 young women who are avid fans, and it revealed that almost half of the respondents (48.9%) consider their idols a source of comfort and happiness during their menstrual periods. Despite this uplifting sentiment, the reality is somewhat contradictory; over 60% of the participants indicated that they have had to give up certain pleasures related to their fandom during menstruation.

Issues such as concerns about leakage influenced many women's decisions, with approximately half of those surveyed admitting that anxiety over leaks led them to avoid wearing white clothing (61.4%), while 33.8% felt the need to exclude certain outfits because of increased body volume. This highlights the difficult balancing act these women face — between their passion for fandom and the unavoidable realities of menstruation.

Impact of Menstruation on Engagement Frequency

When discussing how menstruation affects their engagement in fan activities, about 50% of women reported a change in frequency. Almost two out of three of these women noted that worries about leakage significantly influenced their willingness to participate in events like concerts or gatherings. Specifically, many were concerned about long lines for restrooms at venues, a frustration affecting about half of the participants.

As a community-centered activity, fandom should ideally promote joy and relaxation. However, the constant battle with menstruation-related concerns often drags these young women back into a state of anxiety, leading to what the survey describes as “return times,” moments when their focus shifts from enjoyment to concern.

Life’s Little Nudges: From Relaxation to Reality

Interestingly, around 72.9% of respondents revealed that they felt jolted back to reality upon noticing menstrual blood after showering. This moment of realization can be quite disruptive, especially following a relaxing bath. Furthermore, 71.3% reported feeling unsure about how to manage their hygiene after a bath, which only amplifies the confusion and stress surrounding menstruation. Many grapple with practical dilemmas such as when to change their pads or how to appropriately clean themselves, suggesting that the period post-bath also qualifies as a “return time,” exacerbating their focus on menstrual issues at the expense of fan enjoyment.

The Strain of Work Environments

The challenges extend beyond personal spaces into professional environments. The survey indicated that a staggering 90.0% of working women report feeling overwhelmed during their menstrual periods. Notably, logistical challenges, such as timing for pad changes and worries over potential leaks, are significant sources of stress. This points to the broader systemic issues that need addressing, as many continue to deal with such burdens in silence.

Conclusion: A Call for Greater Awareness

Kao's survey sheds light on the nuanced experiences of young women during their menstrual periods, particularly how these experiences affect their engagement with fandom. The findings underline the importance of awareness and understanding, reminding us that while support from idols may offer emotional relief, the realities of menstruation are often at odds with that joy. Moving forward, it is essential for companies like Kao to advocate for better support systems and products that can empower women during these challenging times.

Kao pursues solutions to social issues as part of its broader vision encapsulated in its mid-term business strategy, aiming to become an indispensable figure in society while creatively addressing challenges faced by individuals everywhere.