Shibuya Future Design partnered with Shibuya City and Unicharm to install free menstrual pad dispensers in 49 locations across 22 public facilities. Over 73 days, 14,874 pads were distributed with 93.7% user approval.
Shibuya Future Design, in collaboration with Shibuya City and Unicharm Corporation, conducted a pilot program placing free menstrual pad dispensers in women's restrooms at 22 public facilities (49 locations) from October 15 to December 26, 2025. The initiative, part of the 'Our Wellness Action' project launched in 2022, distributed 14,874 pads over 73 days. A user survey (n=223) revealed 93.7% recommendation rate, 93.3% desire for continuation, and 99.1% felt reassured by individually wrapped, fully sealed packaging. The program addressed 'period poverty' as a multi-layered issue encompassing not only economic hardship but also information gaps and psychological well-being. Demand varied significantly by facility type, with Shibuya City Hall accounting for roughly half of all usage. Among respondents aged 20-40 (86.6% of users), 77.1% reported past difficulty obtaining menstrual products unexpectedly, while 10% cited economic inability to purchase them. The white paper published from these findings outlines both the public value of free provision as an urban safety net and challenges for institutionalization, including oversupply prevention and awareness initiatives.
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: Survey・報告
FAQ
What was the scale and duration of the Shibuya menstrual pad pilot program?
The program ran from October 15 to December 26, 2025 (73 days) across 22 public facilities with 49 dispenser locations in Shibuya City, distributing 14,874 free pads.
Which organizations collaborated on this pilot?
Shibuya Future Design, Shibuya City government, and Unicharm Corporation partnered on the project as part of the 'Our Wellness Action' initiative launched in 2022.
What were the key user satisfaction metrics?
The user survey (n=223) showed 93.7% recommendation rate, 93.3% desire for continuation, and 99.1% felt reassured by the individually wrapped, sealed packaging.
Where was demand for free menstrual products highest?
Shibuya City Hall accounted for roughly half of total demand. Sports facilities and libraries also showed significant usage due to longer visitor stays.
What multi-layered issues did the pilot reveal beyond economic hardship?
Beyond financial barriers (10% of users), the pilot highlighted information gaps about menstruation, psychological reassurance needs, and 77.1% reporting past difficulty obtaining products unexpectedly.