A Japanese store reconsiders its policy wherein its female staff could wear badges on their period.

The store named Michi Kake store situated in Osaka, Japan sells sexual and menstrual health products for women.

The policy was introduced in October and was suggested by employees. The policy was voluntary and not mandatory.

The noble intention behind it was that staff wearing the badge could get longer breaks or extra help like lifting heavy things etc.  

The badge has a cartoon character imprinted on it. The character is a symbol of the menstrual cycle in Japan named Seiri-chan.

The policy was however misinterpreted by other outlets and critics stating that it was intended to inform customers about one’s menstrual period. Reports also suggest complaints against it with few related to harassment.

As per the store, the intent was to improve the working environment however few staff members were unable to acknowledge its importance while many others were positive.

Some also linked it to the opening of the new store as it sells sexual and menstrual health products for women and is designed accordingly. Period prediction app Luna Luna, (that also co-launched the store) identified four stages of the menstrual cycle and accordingly, the store was divided into respective four categories. Each category of the store provides products respective to the stage of the menstrual cycle – during the period, after the period, a turbulent period in between and right before the period.

However, store has a deeper intent that caters to provide solutions for woman’s sensitive need and to combat stigma around it. It is a less-discussed subject in Japan but fem tech has brought a change in thinking for youths. Store Manager Takahiro Imazu realizes its importance.

Store claims that after the policy was perceived differently they are reconsidering other ways wherein they could share the information differently without alerting the public.