The Story behind "Her" Opp. My Experience with Sexual Harassment in Japan

I feel like the title gives this post a bit extremism but I do find it a personal and important topic which I would like to discuss.

On my 15th or 16th birthday, it was close to final exam season and I was studying at a cafe like I usually did. I was sitting at one of those counter tables minding my own business when I noticed this huge man take a seat next to me. The cafe was basically empty and I wondered why this man chose to sit right next to me when there were so many other choices. I let that thought slip away and got back to my studies. Then, little by little I noticed the man leaning closer and closer to me. I first thought it was coincidental but then the next second I knew, he started touching me underneath the counter table. I felt mortified, scared, and confused. I couldn’t shout for help. I could’ve gone to the barista and explained the situation but somehow, the embarrassment was bigger than my will to seek help. I tried to concentrate on my studies but obviously I couldn’t.

I panicked. I had to get out of there, but I wanted to continue studying. My exams were the next day! I quickly packed my text books and ran out, going to a nearby Starbucks. As I was waiting at the stoplight, I noticed the man from earlier had left the cafe too and was headed in the same direction. I ran and got into Starbucks, hoping he didn’t see where I disappeared into. I got a seat and my textbooks out.

“Stop procrastinating Shiho, get to work“

I told myself. But then the cafe door opened and the man came in again. I was so scared, the man looked around for empty seats but finally gave up and left when he couldn’t find any. Right after I saw him leave, I went to the bathroom and that feeling of relief just caused me to burst into tears. The panic, the fright, the embarrassment just exploded. Later, I called my mom to come pick me up.

Was I giving mixed signs? Was I wearing something showy?

These are questions that people ask me and I wonder. One time, I was harassed on my way home from school and called the police. The two police men took a picture of me and said they would keep it as a record for how victims look and to figure out if there’s a pattern. They never asked me what the man looked like.

I admit, I am a feminist, I have my opinions on how society should be and my opinions on the #metoo movement as well. However more so than that, the most important thing for me is to provide security towards people in all conditions. My identity as a woman and the social imbalances it comes with, as well as being socially aware of my surroundings has shaped me into my own way of thinking.

This is Her Opp. but wanting to provide a sense of place/ a secrurity/an opportunity for people in all situations. “Her” is just one aspect of it that relate to my experience.