Challenging Gender Norms and Impact on Men's Mental Health

Men are facing an identity crisis as they struggle with changing gender roles in society. Despite the growing call for men to take parental leave, only 17% of eligible men took it in 2022, in contrast to 80% of women. Japanese men spend significantly less time on chores compared to men in other countries. A survey by Lean in Tokyo revealed that over 60% of Japanese men feel uncomfortable in their workplaces due to pressure to conform to traditional masculine behavior. This pressure contributes to high suicide rates in Japan, where men are twice as likely to commit suicide as women. Initiatives like the suicide hotline run by Mr. Fukushima aim to address this serious issue.