Publishing giant Shogakukan recently issued a public apology to women who suffered sexual abuse related to its entities. The timing of this apology and further details are yet to be disclosed, but the news has triggered a serious discourse about women's rights and the handling of sexual abuse cases in Japan. It's unknown whether this apology will result in any legal or structural changes within Shogakukan or the industry as a whole.

The issue of sexual abuse and the rights of victims is a significant and sensitive topic in Japan. The public apology from a major publishing company like Shogakukan shows its responsibility towards the victims. In Japanese society, where public figures and institutions are often criticized for ignoring or downplaying such issues, this is a shifting point that is bound to affect public opinion and possibly legal judgments.

In the US or EU, sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace and schools are significant offences and are strictly penalized by law. While public apologies like this one are seen in these countries too, they are usually accompanied by legal action, and the perpetrators face serious consequences.