Japanese schools tend to enforce strict rules and regulations, including those which crack down on students’ appearances. But as one teen sues her school for forcing her to dye her hair black so that she could attend classes, the usefulness of unswerving rules is being questioned.

Mascots are everywhere in Japan. But they’re more than just cute cartoons – mascots reflect what's happening in Japanese society. And in order to resonate with working women, Sanrio's latest offering is an adorable red panda office worker who isn’t afraid to fly off the rails.

One in three Japanese women are fearful of their boss’ opinion of them if they decided to have a child and go on maternity leave. Despite improved laws and company policies, expecting mothers aren’t feeling comfortable in the workplace due to social pressures in their offices.

A recording of an employer berating her assistant has gone viral in Japan, provoking concern and outrage among the public. As the nation comes to terms with the abuse disguised within office power hierarchies, there’s a call for bosses to shift from aggression to empathy.