#Japan #Tokyo #Nippon Steel Kowa #Women Support #menstrual products

Creating a Supportive Environment for Female Workers

In a significant initiative aimed at promoting a supportive work environment for women, Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Masahiro Miwa) has announced plans to provide free menstrual products in the restrooms of 17 nationally managed office buildings. This initiative is set to begin in December 2025 and is seen as a step towards fostering a more inclusive workplace for female workers.

Understanding the Need

The workplace environment is crucial to the career aspirations and overall well-being of female workers. Studies have shown that insufficient attention to women's unique health challenges can greatly impact their sense of security and motivation at work. While many public and commercial facilities have begun to embrace the installation of menstrual products, the same cannot be said for office buildings, where the adoption of such measures has lagged.

Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate has been proactive in addressing these issues through various initiatives, including women-focused seminars. These programs are designed to listen to and reflect the concerns of female workers closely. After conducting a three-month trial of free menstrual products in the bathrooms of three Tokyo properties, which received overwhelmingly positive feedback, the company decided to implement this service across its entire portfolio of office buildings.

Feedback from the Trial

During the trial period from May to July 2025, female workers expressed their relief regarding unexpected menstrual concerns. Many noted how the availability of these products contributed to a more comfortable and assured working environment. Comments included:

• - "The anxiety about sudden menstrual needs has greatly diminished."
• - "This initiative has created a space where I can work without worry."
• - "It’s a fantastic effort to address what many women face at work."

With a satisfaction rate of 92% and a desire for continued availability at 96%, the positive reception from participants highlights the crucial need for such services in workplaces.

Installation Plans Moving Forward

The official rollout of free menstrual product installations will commence in December 2025 across the 17 office buildings managed by Nippon Steel Kowa. The company also plans to expand this initiative to more properties, engaging in discussions with building management stakeholders about further installations.

Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate is committed to attentively listening to the needs of female workers and shaping necessary services that enhance their work experience. Beyond just the provision of menstrual products, the company will continue to offer various support initiatives, such as seminars and awareness activities, aimed at comprehensively supporting working women.

This proactive approach not only champions gender equality in the workplace but also underscores the importance of considering health-related needs in creating a thriving work environment. As these changes take place, Nippon Steel Kowa Real Estate is setting a standard for other companies to follow for the holistic well-being of their employees.