Nihon University, one of Japan's largest private universities with over 70,000 students across 16 faculties, has taken a significant step toward fostering an inclusive campus environment by providing free sanitary products in women's restrooms throughout all its faculties. This initiative addresses a longstanding yet often unspoken issue: the anxiety and barriers faced by female students during menstruation, particularly when cycles are unpredictable. By treating menstrual products like essential toilet paper, the university aims to ensure that students can focus on their studies without interruption or embarrassment.
The rollout represents a campus-wide commitment to gender equality and student well-being, building on pilot programs in specific faculties and responding to growing awareness of period poverty in Japan. With installations now in place at multiple campuses, including the main Chiyoda location and others in Tokyo and beyond, this move sets a precedent for other institutions in Japanese higher education.
🌸 The Genesis of the Initiative: From Pilot to University-Wide
The journey began in the College of Engineering at Nihon University's Koriyama Campus. On April 1, 2024, the faculty introduced the OiTr service, Japan's pioneering app-based free sanitary napkin dispenser system. Developed through discussions between the student group 'Doboku Joshi no Kai' (Civil Engineering Girls Club) and female staff, it marked Nihon University's first foray into this area. Dispensers were installed in six locations across four buildings: the first-floor women's restrooms in the main building and Building 70 (floors 1, 3, and 5), second-floor in Building 1, and the gymnasium's second-floor south women's restroom.
Users scan a QR code in the stall, download the free OiTr app, and receive one napkin every two hours, limited to seven per 25-day period. This controlled distribution prevents overuse while ensuring accessibility. The success of this pilot prompted expansion. By December 17, 2025, the College of Humanities and Sciences (Bunri Gakubu) followed suit, placing free products in select women's restrooms on campus, as announced via the student portal COMITS2. The full rollout across all 16 faculties was confirmed recently, aligning with the university's Diversity Promotion Committee efforts.
Leadership Vision: Treating Essentials Like Toilet Paper
At the helm is Miyoko Watanabe, Executive Director and Chair of the Diversity Promotion Committee. Her inspiration struck abroad, where she encountered free pads in a corporate restroom. 'I had never thought of placing sanitary napkins in toilets myself. But seeing it overseas changed that,' she shared. The realization? No need to carry pads discreetly or rush home if menstruation arrives unexpectedly.
'Young students often have irregular cycles, so it's unpredictable. Suddenly starting without preparation means a huge burden to buy or fetch them. For women, pads are as essential as toilet paper—why not provide them the same way?' Watanabe emphasized. Facing initial resistance, she countered with a simple analogy: 'It's the same as toilet paper.' This resonated, paving the way for approval. The committee views this as part of creating a 'secure learning environment anytime, anywhere' for female students, who comprise a significant portion of Nihon U's enrollment.
Addressing Period Poverty: A Growing Concern in Japanese Higher Education
Period poverty—the inability to afford or access menstrual products—affects many young women in Japan, exacerbated by economic pressures post-COVID-19. A 2022 Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare survey revealed that 18-19-year-olds and those in their 20s reported higher rates of purchase difficulties compared to older groups. Approximately 20% of university students in one student-led online survey admitted struggling to buy pads due to cost.
Overall, 8.1% of women frequently or occasionally face acquisition issues, rising above 10% among youth. Part-time jobs, common among students, often pay below ¥1 million annually, leaving little for essentials. Stigma compounds this: many hide pads or skip classes. Nihon U's initiative directly tackles these, ensuring no student faces embarrassment or absence due to lack of products.
For deeper insights into Japan's period poverty trends, see the Nippon.com survey analysis.
Student Impact: Reducing Anxiety and Boosting Attendance
Early feedback from pilot faculties highlights transformative effects. In engineering, students appreciated not needing to carry spares or worry about sudden needs during long lab sessions. 'It removes that constant background stress,' one anonymous participant noted. In humanities and sciences, the portal announcement urged responsible use—'only when needed'—fostering community ownership.
Studies link free access to better attendance and mental health. A Japanese student survey found 92% support period leave, with 93% experiencing severe symptoms. By normalizing provision, Nihon U reduces absenteeism, potentially improving academic outcomes for female students, who face higher dropout risks amid financial strains.
Photo by Moughit Fawzi on Unsplash
OiTr: Technology Enabling Sustainable Access
OiTr, launched in 2022 by Next Innovation, powers much of this. Users watch a short ad via app for free pads, funding sustainability through advertising. Over 2,000 dispensers nationwide, including universities like Sophia, Waseda, and Keio, demonstrate its scalability. Nihon U's adoption leverages this proven model, ensuring hygienic, contactless delivery in stalls for privacy.
Limitations promote equity: time-based and monthly caps prevent hoarding. This tech-forward approach aligns with Japan's digital campus trends, making menstrual support seamless.
Other Pioneering Universities in Japan
Nihon U joins a wave. Kochi University installed dispensers via its Gender Equality Office in 2025, student-led. Sophia University started OiTr in 2022. Yamagata University offers free products campus-wide since 2023. Hyogo Prefecture expanded to 41 university campuses by 2023. Osaka Expo restrooms provide free pads via faculty initiatives.
This trend reflects national momentum: local governments, schools (e.g., Tama City elementary/junior highs since 2021), and apps like Misetan mapping spots combat poverty collectively. For a list of Tokyo spots, visit Zenbird Media's guide.
Challenges: Stigma, Costs, and Sustainability
- Stigma: Menstruation taboo persists; many hide needs. Initiatives normalize via visibility.
- Economic: Pads cost ¥300-500/pack; students prioritize food/transport.
- Sustainability: OiTr's ad model works, but universities monitor usage to avoid shortages.
- Equity: Trans/non-binary inclusion via gender-neutral options emerging.
Nihon U addresses via education and responsible use campaigns.
Gender Equality and Campus Culture Shift
Beyond access, this signals deeper change. Japan's gender gap ranks 125th globally (2023 WEF). Universities lead: diversity committees drive policies like harassment prevention. Free products enhance retention, especially in STEM where women are underrepresented (20-30%).
Stakeholders praise: students feel valued; faculty note improved focus. Long-term: higher graduation rates, better mental health.
Future Outlook: National Expansion and Policy Implications
Watanabe envisions all Nihon U restrooms covered soon. Nationally, calls grow for mandates in public facilities. MHLW monitors; student movements push. Globally, Scotland's free products law inspires.
For Japanese higher ed, this could standardize, reducing disparities. Explore MHLW's period poverty report for policy insights.
As Nihon U leads, expect ripple effects, positioning universities as equity frontrunners.
Photo by Weiqi Xiong on Unsplash
Actionable Insights for Other Institutions
- Partner with OiTr for low-cost rollout.
- Form student-staff committees for buy-in.
- Integrate into diversity plans.
- Monitor via surveys for impact.
- Educate on stigma reduction.
Small investment yields big returns in student welfare.