A Japanese news anchor has lost her job and faced strong backlash on social media after posting a message talking about how hard it is to “tolerate” men's body odour and suggesting that men should shower more often.
Yuri Kawaguchi, a 29-year-old Tokyo-based freelance announcer known for her feminist views, also works as a lecturer on harassment prevention training.
On August 8, she appeared on social media platform X, where she has around 13,000 followers, to voice her concerns about men's hygiene in the summer, urging them to take showers and use deodorant.
“I'm truly sorry if this is a personal matter, but the smell of men in the summer and the body odor of people with poor hygiene are really unpleasant,” Castor said.
“I like to stay clean, so I shower multiple times a day, use disinfectant wipes, and wear antiperspirant all year round. I think more men should do this,” she further wrote.
Kawaguchi's post was specifically targeted at men, leading some to accuse her of being sexist.
“Blaming only men is infuriating and definitely discriminatory. Women, especially older women, can have body odor too. I find this very unpleasant,” wrote one male netizen.
Some called her “a materialistic woman out of touch with the hardships of the common man.”
The anchor apologized for his comments and deleted the post.
After the controversy erupted, Caster issued a public apology and the post was deleted on August 11.
“My careless remarks have caused discomfort and hurt to many people. I deeply regret my actions. In the future, I will make efforts to ensure that my comments do not hurt anyone. I am truly sorry,” the anchor apologized.
However, her agency VOICE also terminated their contract with her, citing “defamation of the opposite sex.”
The company that had employed Kawaguchi as a lecturer also terminated his contract.
Such extreme measures against her were criticized by Japanese netizens as being “too extreme,” and a debate also began over whether her remarks were right or wrong.
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“When women ask men to be clean and polite, it causes anger. It shows that Japan has been a male-dominated society for too long. No matter how dirty a man is, if a woman complains she is immediately punished,” one person wrote.
“The people who criticised her are probably stinky men themselves. I'm a man and I can't stand other men's bad smell. It's really disgusting,” commented another.
“If it doesn't stink then why are you upset about the post? If it's clean then you have nothing to defend,” one user said.
“Why are Japanese men so sensitive? They can't stand the slightest criticism. Women are expected to maintain beauty, cleanliness and health without complaining, but there is no such expectation on men. If this is not gender bias, then what is it?” a third party asked.
(With input from relevant agencies)
