Workplace 'Sexual Harassment NG Questions' Ranking 2026! The Reality of 'Relationship Questions' Deemed Unpleasant

First Innovation Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Yuji Kinone, hereinafter First Innovation) announced the 'Sexual Harassment Feeling Questions Ranking 2026' based on the results of a survey on 'Workplace NG Question Lines' targeting X (formerly Twitter) users on its operating media 'SES Plus'.

In recent years, as social interest in harassment has grown, so have voices saying, 'I don't know where sexual harassment begins.' In workplace communication, in particular, there are many cases where what is intended as 'casual chat' causes discomfort to the other person.

Therefore, 'SES Plus,' operated by First Innovation, conducted a survey on whether questions from superiors of the opposite sex are perceived as sexual harassment. Based on data obtained through multiple-choice responses, this survey ranks the questions that many people found particularly unpleasant.

Survey Overview

Survey Theme: What questions are perceived as sexual harassment?

Survey Method: Questionnaire via X (formerly Twitter)

Survey Period: March 20-23, 2026

Number of Valid Responses: 280

Respondent Demographics: Teens to 60s and above / Male and Female

Sexual Harassment Experience: 'Happens Sometimes' is Most Common (Approx. 40%)

1st Place: Happens Sometimes: 42.9%

2nd Place: Never: 28.6%

3rd Place: Rarely Happens: 16.4%

4th Place: Happens Often: 12.1%

Approximately half (55%) responded 'Happens Often' or 'Happens Sometimes,' revealing the reality that sexual harassment exists on a daily basis.

Ranking of 'Questions Perceived as Sexual Harassment'

※Multiple answers allowed

1st Place: Questions about Relationships and Marriage

(Examples: Do you have a boyfriend? / Why aren't you married? / Don't you have children yet?)

Questions about relationships and marriage received the most responses. This shows that topics considered 'staples of casual conversation' are the most high-risk.

2nd Place: Questions with Sexual Nuances

(Examples: How far have you gone? / What do you do at night?)

Questions with sexual nuances were also answered as unpleasant. Even if intended as a joke, they tend to be clearly recognized as sexual harassment.

3rd Place: Questions Prying into Private Life

(Examples: What did you do on your day off? / Where do you live?)

Even seemingly everyday conversations can lead to strong discomfort depending on the relationship with the other person.

4th Place: Comments on Appearance and Body

(Examples: You have a great figure / You're cute)

Even when intended as compliments, some people perceive these comments as sexual harassment.

5th Place: Invitations for One-on-One Meetings

(Example: Let's go for drinks (just the two of us))

Over half responded that these are unpleasant, indicating that caution is required even in building relationships outside of work.

Criteria for Perceiving Sexual Harassment

The main criteria cited by respondents are as follows:

- Too intrusive into private life

- Has sexual nuances

- Persistent / Repeatedly asked

- Exploiting one's position (superior)

- Feeling unable to refuse due to the atmosphere

It became clear that not only the content of the statement but also factors such as 'position,' 'frequency,' and 'relationship' have a complex influence.

Actual Unpleasant Questions (Excerpts)

- 'I was uncomfortable being repeatedly asked if I had a boyfriend.'

- 'I was persistently invited out for drinks and found it hard to refuse.'

- 'I didn't like comments about my body shape.'

- 'I felt my values were being imposed when asked why I wasn't married.'

- 'What's your cup size?'

- 'Can I come over to your place?'

Actual responses highlighted that remarks concerning relationships, the body, and private life lead to significant stress and anxiety.

This survey revealed that sexual harassment in the workplace not only includes clear violations but also a wide 'gray zone' lurking within everyday conversations.

In particular, topics such as 'relationships,' 'marriage,' and 'the body' tend to be perceived as unpleasant with high probability, carrying the risk of being recognized as sexual harassment even without malicious intent from the speaker.

Moving forward, both companies and individuals will increasingly need to adopt a communication approach that focuses not on 'what is said' but on 'how the other person feels.'

About 'SES Plus'

SES Plus (Social Examine Service Plus) is a survey-based web media that visualizes users' real voices using SNS. It analyzes and disseminates trends and public sentiment from both quantitative and qualitative perspectives.

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First Innovation Co., Ltd. Company Profile

Company Name: First Innovation Co., Ltd.

Location: 3-13-1 Harumi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo DEUX TOURS EAST Tower 52F

Representative: President and CEO Yuji Kinone

Business Activities: Creative Business / Promotion Business / Marketing Business / AI Consulting Business / Solution Business

Official Website: https://www.f-innovations.co.jp/