Unicharm Launches Trial Program for Free Sanitary Pad Dispensers in Shibuya, Tokyo
tokyo, Japan – October 16, 2025 – Unicharm Corporation announced today a pilot program to install free sanitary pad dispensers in 22 public restrooms throughout Tokyo’s Shibuya Ward, beginning promptly and running through December 26, 2025. The initiative, undertaken in collaboration with the Shibuya ward government, aims to address period poverty and ensure access to essential hygiene products for those in need.
This program responds to growing awareness of the financial burden menstruation can place on individuals and families.By providing free access to sanitary pads in public spaces, Unicharm and Shibuya Ward hope to alleviate this burden and promote dignity for all residents and visitors. The move builds on Unicharm’s existing efforts to distribute dispensers to schools and businesses, and represents a significant step toward broader public accessibility.
Unicharm will be responsible for the installation of the dispensers, while the Shibuya Ward government will handle the ongoing replenishment of supplies. “We hope to expand this initiative to include public facilities through cooperation with local governments,” stated a Unicharm official.The company anticipates the results of the trial will inform future expansion plans and potentially inspire similar programs in other municipalities.
The Jiji Press news agency first reported the announcement.
