Explanation of Laws

Sexual Harassment (referred to as sekuhara in Japan)

Sexual harassment (sekuhara) is harassment of a sexual nature in the workplace. It seems that in most cases, victims of sexual harassment are female workers. For example, when a supervisor touches a female subordinate, persistently asks her out to dinner, or demands sexual relations with her, it is considered sexual harassment.

In the case of foreign workers, there are many cases where severe sexual harassment is perpetrated over a long period of time, taking advantage of the fact that the workers do not understand the language or have no one to talk to.

Sexual harassment is a clear violation of the law, and therefore, the victim may be entitled to claim damages from the company or harasser. In some cases, criminal charges can also be pressed. If you have been victimized, please don't give up in despair, but report the matter to the nearest Labor Standards Inspection Office, or contact the labor union or the Migrant Worker Research Group.