A local councilwoman in Japan has bravely stepped forward to publicly speak out about her experience as a victim of an indecent assault. By revealing her identity, she aims to expose the areas where the Japanese society still lacks regarding sexual harassment and to inspire victims to raise their voices. The timing and location of this important incident have not been mentioned, whereas the perpetrator's identity remains undisclosed in the news headline.

Such public displays of personal trauma are far from common in the typically reserved Japanese society. The issues of sexual harassment have long been overshadowed by a culture of silence and victim-blaming. The move by the councilwoman could boost the ongoing social dialogue around these problems, in an attempt to alter the societal norms and the related legislation.

While sexual harassment is an international issue, the way it is addressed varies greatly. In the US & EU, there has been a growing acceptance towards discussing such problems openly with movements like #MeToo and Time’s Up that have opened the door to increased dialogue regarding sexual misconduct. The councilwoman's decision to come forward could be a step in introducing a similar movement in Japan.