Guest Lecture: Dr. Ki-young Shin, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo

While #MeToo movement has emerged as a significant global phenomenon since late 2017, Japan initially exhibited a notably muted response. This stands in stark contrast to neighboring South Korea, where the movement ignited a powerful wave of revelations, empowering women to break their silence. However, the persistent efforts of courageous women like Shiori Ito, coupled with a series of controversial not-guilty verdicts in sexual assault cases, eventually catalyzed a shift in Japan. This talk will provide an overview of how the #MeToo movement unfolded differently in Japan, exploring the unique challenges faced by Japanese women and examining the subsequent legislative reforms and societal changes.