by Kumi Tsukahara
Hello, I wanted to share some updates from Japan on my work on abortion rights. Last year, 2025, I published a comprehensive guide on abortion medication (February, updated in July) and a new book on reproductive rights with a major publisher in September. I also contributed chapters to two books on comprehensive sexuality education and ejaculatory responsibility. These are all in Japanese.
Overview of VCAT Training
In 2026, I’m preparing to conduct Japan’s first training courses in VCAT: Abortion Values Clarification and Attitude Transformation to focus on exploring values and attitudes related to abortion, aiming to improve understanding and access to reproductive health services.
TheVCAT training is designed to help healthcare providers and facilitators examine their values and beliefs regarding abortion. The training alsoaims to create a safe space for discussions, challenge stigma, and promote understanding of reproductive rights.
Last October, I incorporated my organization as an RHR Literacy Research Institute to gain greater credibility for conducting VCAT training with healthcare professionals. The Abortion VCAT will be delivered in collaboration with midwifery faculty at Shinshu University, a national university in Japan.
I also have three more books in Japanese in the pipeline this year—on abortion and violence, abortion counselling, and a collaborative work on Ireland’s abortion experience. The book on abortion and violence applies peace scholar Johan Galtung’s theory to Japan’s abortion situation. If I’m satisfied with the final result, I’d love to publish it in English as well.
The political landscape presents mixed signals in Japan though. While Japan now has its first female Prime Minister, she comes from the far right, which actually raises concerns about reproductive rights being further threatened. Still, there are reasons for hope—the fact that publishers are willing to take on these projects feels like a positive sign.
I thought you’d be pleased to know about and share these developments. Warmly, Kumi
SOURCES: E-mails from Kumi, 1st, 2nd, 20th January 2026. Apologies for some word spacing problems in the above paragraphs.
PHOTO: https://www.youtube.com/kumitsukahara 2023.11.28. オンライン記者会見「緊急避妊薬の試験販売に関する公開質問状への回答の報告と提言」 – YouTube 2023.11.28 オンライン記者会見「緊急避妊薬の試験販売に関する公開質問状への回答の報告と提言」 – YouTube