There are quite a few services aimed specifically at women in Japan. Some of them have the goal of drawing more customers as well as enhancing a service. Others are implemented to genuinely help out women. Contents of these services vary, and they all come with pros and cons, but this does not change that they are still labelled as “women-services”. A lot of these issues can generate questions of “gender-equality”, even when looking at the very content of the services… But at times it might be right that different options are available. The following is also something that is not limited to Japan. Good or bad, this is to let you know one more aspect of Japan.

Ladies’ day


This service is provided either every month or every weekday on a specific day. Female customers can buy products at discounted prices and get free provision on particular products. It is a service that is quite popular in restaurants. Some male customers are not concerned about this, while others would like to have “men’s day” too.

Ladies set


This is also a service you often find in restaurants. It consists of a set menu “for women”, crafted with the mistaken idea that women eat small meals and are more aware of calories’ intake than men. The meal portion is smaller and the price on the whole, cheaper. In some stores, you can order a “woman’s meal” regardless of your gender.

What do male customers think about this? That there are advantages to this service, that it is a service that is sought by male customers too…

Vehicles for women only


During rush hours in the morning, only women are allowed to go onto specific wagons. In reality, besides women, children under elementary school age and those with physical disabilities and injuries (along with their caregivers) can also make use of these wagons.

The impressions of male customers?
・Just because there are gender-specific wagons, it does not mean that there will be less crowd.
・Women might be relieved and stay assured that they will not incur in molestations (chikan that are often found on ordinary wagons)
・Of course, anyone who commits a crime such as molestation should be severely punished.