Gender inequity persists in Japan while economic and political opportunities for women remain substantially lower than those for men. Societal norms continue to denigrate Japanese women and treat them with low regard even in their own households. In the workplace, women face sexual and power harassment, limited opportunities for advancement, and mostly temporary, part-time, and low-paying jobs. Positive change was occurring, albeit slowly. Then the COVID-19 economic fallout hit and the results are inequitably devastating to women, leading to Japan’s first increase in suicide rates in nearly a decade, and a 15% increase in women suicides.

CJMH seeks to restore progress towards gender equity by bolstering women’s resilience and self-esteem. The pandemic amplified the stresses of Japanese culture on women and pushed many beyond their ability to cope and to develop or succumb to mental illness which leads to ostracization in Japan. Japanese women are inherently creative, energetic, and powerful, as symbolized by “Harajuku Girls”. The Harajuku Girls Project will use fashion to promote positive self-expression, empowering girls and young women to nurture self-esteem and resilience. We will enable global communities of support and provide mental health resources for those in need to further strengthen resilience.

While the premise is based upon Japanese street culture and fashion, the Harajuku Girls Project can potentially help women and girls all around the world. With that global mission in mind, CJMH is sponsoring the creation of the Harajuku Girls Project as a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity and providing it organizational support. Please help us get this important new champion of women and girl empowerment on its feet with your generous donations!