Reports of Domestic Violence Against Men in Japan Rise 50% Over Five Years

Reports of domestic violence (DV) among men are increasing in Japan. Over the past five years, consultations from male victims have risen by 1.5 times, which experts say may reflect previously hidden cases coming to light.

Men are often assumed to be physically stronger than women. Because of this perception, despite growing social awareness, they still face challenges in gaining public sympathy when reporting abuse. Research also suggests that men may experience unique pressures that, in some situations, make them more vulnerable than female victims.

'You Are Trash'

Masato Omura (not his real name), 34, had his smartphone and cash taken away by his female partner. He was also given little to eat. At first, Masato didn't feel hungry, but he eventually collapsed at home and had to be hospitalized.

His partner, five years his senior, had lived with him for about two years. They entered a de facto marriage after registering for a partnership certificate in January 2024. What began as minor disagreements soon escalated into frequent verbal abuse. She would tell him things like, "You don't deserve to live. You are trash born from trash parents."

Even minor things, such as a few drops of water on the toilet floor, could provoke violent outbursts. Omura was forced to kneel and was sometimes slapped in the face. When he tried to defend himself, she accused him of being "violent" toward her.

Rising Awareness

According to Japan's National Police Agency, men made 28,214 domestic violence (DV) consultations in 2024. This is 1.5 times more than five years ago and accounts for roughly 30% of all cases.

Professor Emeritus Kimio Ito of Kyoto University, who specializes in gender sociology, suggests that many previously hidden cases are now coming to light. He explains that greater media coverage and rising public awareness may have encouraged more men to report abuse.

Exploiting Gender Norms

Experts say that domestic violence (DV) against men often follows specific patterns. Toshiko Noguchi, head of the male DV support group Shiratori no Mori in Tokushima City, observes that some female perpetrators use modern gender expectations to control their partners.

For instance, women may expect men to earn money while also sharing equally in housework and childcare. When men fall short of these expectations, they may face verbal or physical abuse. If they push back, they may be accused of "emotional abuse."

Noguchi adds, "Male victims often try to live up to their partner's ideals. In a surprising number of cases, the female perpetrator is a full-time housewife."

Hospitalization

For Omura, the abuse worsened after he revealed he had around ¥200,000 JPY (around $1,300 USD) in debt. Although he earned about ¥5 million a year as a web designer and had a plan to repay it, his partner repeatedly justified her abuse, saying, "I can't forgive secrets. I'll fight alongside you to change you."

Working from home, Omura was constantly monitored. His partner controlled all his income, and he had to get permission even to open the refrigerator. Ten months into their de facto marriage, she began withholding meals, and his weight dropped from over 70 kg (154 lbs) to the 40s. Omura eventually collapsed from malnutrition.

The hospital noticed his condition and reported it. In May, a court issued a restraining order under Japan's DV prevention law, finally freeing Omura from his partner.

Reflecting on that time, Omura says, "I thought that if I changed myself, my relationship with my wife would change. I didn't even realize I was being abused."