TSU -- The Mie Prefectural Government is set to install menstrual pads in a restroom at its headquarters here on a trial basis starting Nov. 10, the prefecture announced on Nov. 5.
Following the roughly one-year trial period, the prefecture will decide whether to continue with the measure based on the usage status and feedback from prefectural residents.
To make the pads accessible also to visitors to the prefectural government building and provide them safely and hygienically, the prefecture is installing a dispenser -- which allows users to easily take one pad at a time by holding their hand above it -- next to the washbowl of the women's toilet on the first floor.
A total of some 7,000 pads were donated to the prefecture by Co-op Mie and the Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition, the organizer of the Osaka Expo that closed in mid-October.
Regarding installations of sanitary pads at public facilities, prefectural assembly member Ayaka Yoshida triggered debate on the issue after she posted on X on March 25 saying, "I want menstrual pads to be available anywhere like toilet paper." During a general inquiry session of the prefectural assembly in June, Yoshida posed a question about the situation where no sanitary pads were provided at public facilities due to fears of potential theft. In response, Mie Gov. Katsuyuki Ichimi stated, "We will implement trial distribution of menstrual pads at a restroom in the prefectural government building. There might be cases where those in need will take away the pads. Kind-hearted Mie Prefecture residents may approve of that."
At a regular press conference on Nov. 5, Ichimi stated, "We have received opinions that some women are struggling as they suddenly find themselves in need of (the pads). We hope people who need the products will use them."