On the Eve of World Population Day (July 11): Can Japan Escape Being a 'Sex Education Laggard'?

July 7–9: Three Days to Reflect on Comprehensive Sexuality Education as a Human Right

The Japan Organization for International Cooperation on Family Planning (JOICFP) (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo) will host Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, in Japan ahead of World Population Day on July 11. From July 7 (Tue) to 9 (Thu), 2026, JOICFP will hold three events centered on the themes of the 'Right to Health,' 'SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights),' and Comprehensive Sexuality Education as a human right.

World Population Day is an international observance established not merely to discuss population numbers, but to reflect on every individual's life, health, dignity, and the right to choose their own path.

However, in Japan, while declining birth rates are widely debated, discussions about the right to make autonomous decisions about one's body and life—and the comprehensive sexuality education that supports this right—remain insufficient.

International bodies such as the United Nations and UNESCO emphasize that comprehensive sexuality education is not simply 'education about sex,' but rather a form of human rights education that empowers everyone to live authentically.

Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, visiting Japan this time, is concluding her term as the UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health in July 2026, making this visit her final official engagement.

JOICFP aims to use this valuable opportunity to reframe pressing social issues in Japan—such as low birth rates, gender equality, youth pregnancy, sexual violence, and digital sexual harm—through the lens of human rights.

We sincerely invite members of the press to attend and cover these events.

Event Overview

【July 7】

Public Symposium (Sophia University / Zoom)

An open symposium discussing Japan's comprehensive sexuality education and SRHR in light of global human rights standards.

"The Right to Education and the Right to Health: International Standards on SRHR and Japan's Current Status"

Date and Time: July 7, 2026 (Tue), 19:00–20:30 (Doors open at 18:30)

Venue: International Conference Room, 17th Floor, Building 2, Sophia University & Hybrid via Zoom

Language: Japanese-English simultaneous interpretation provided

Main Speakers (names without titles):

Tlaleng Mofokeng (UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health)

Masako Tanaka (Professor, Faculty of Global Studies, Sophia University / IGC Researcher)

Yumiko Minami (DPI Women with Disabilities Network)

Jun Nakajima (Executive Director, ReBit)

Kazuko Fukuda (#NandeNaino Project Representative)

Hiroko Kusano (Senior Advocacy Officer, JOICFP / Moderator)

Registration: https://forms.gle/U6XEvDgupWCtpwnR9

【July 8】

Diet Member Study Session (House of Representatives First Member's Building / Zoom)

"Health as the Driving Force for Dignity"

Lawmakers, civil society representatives, and experts will gather to discuss Japan's institutional and policy challenges.

Date and Time: July 8, 2026 (Wed), 17:30–19:00 (Doors open at 17:00)

Venue: International Conference Room, 1st Floor, House of Representatives First Member's Building & Hybrid via Zoom

Capacity: First-come, first-served (100 in-person / 500 online)

Language: Japanese-English simultaneous interpretation provided

Participating Organizations (tentative): SRHR for ALL Action! Member Organizations (DPI Women with Disabilities Network, PillCon, #NandeNaino Project, Spring, Piccolare, SOSHIREN—From Women's Bodies, T-net, Information Network for Nepalese Residents in Japan, and others)

Registration: https://forms.gle/E5Mr6cCvCURt8Qys9

【July 9】【Special Event for Media Professionals】

Why Is Japan Being Left Behind?

Questioning Japan's Escape from Being a 'Sex Education Laggard'

"Sex Education as a Human Right: What Japan Doesn't Know"—A UN Expert Speaks

A small-scale, exclusive briefing session for media professionals.

Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, with extensive experience in global education and human rights policy, and Dr. Mayumi Taniguchi, a well-known legal scholar and media commentator, will engage in an open dialogue on:

Japan's education system from a global perspective

Why comprehensive sexuality education is 'human rights education'

Low birthrate policies and SRHR

What kind of education does Japan need today?

Event Details

Date and Time: July 9, 2026 (Thu), 15:00–16:30

Venue (In-person): Fujinkai Hall Plaza EF (15-15 Rokubanchō, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo) – 1-minute walk from JR/ Tokyo Metro Shimbashi Station

15:05–15:20

(Keynote Speech) "Sex Education as a Human Right: What Japan Doesn't Know" – Dr. T

15:20–16:05

Special Dialogue – Moderator: Mayumi Taniguchi ✖️ Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng

"Is Japan Being Left Behind? Why Does Today's Japan Need Human Rights-Based Education?"

Registration: https://forms.gle/do3ehKpBKBMfiq2BA

Individual Interviews Available

Individual interviews with JOICFP Executive Director Etsuko Yamaguchi and Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng will be available during the event period.

JOICFP advocates for the integration of comprehensive sexuality education as a human right into Japan's school curricula nationwide, engaging in dialogue with local governments and education stakeholders and submitting policy recommendations.

During this visit, Executive Director Yamaguchi will discuss the rationale behind inviting the UN Special Rapporteur, the challenges Japan faces when viewed against international standards, and the significance of SRHR and comprehensive sexuality education in an aging, low-birthrate society.

About World Population Day (July 11)

Established by the United Nations in 1989, World Population Day is not merely about population growth or decline, but a day to envision a society where 'everyone can live healthily and with dignity, and choose their own lives.'

JOICFP hopes that World Population Day 2026 will serve as an opportunity for society as a whole to reflect on the value of every life and human right, and the importance of sexuality education as human rights education within Japan's public schooling system.

For Members of the Press

All three events announced in this release are open for media coverage.

In particular, the media briefing on July 9 will be conducted in an intimate, dialogue-based format, allowing time for questions and exchanges with the UN expert.

Additionally, individual interviews (in-person or online) can be arranged even if attending the events is not possible.

Ahead of World Population Day—Can Japan increase its birthrate through low-birthrate policies alone? Let's consider together what kind of education—centered on respecting 'each individual's rights'—Japan truly needs today.

[Profile]

Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng / UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health

Affectionately known as 'Dr. T,' she is a charismatic physician celebrated globally, featured on the cover of Forbes Africa and named Glamour's Woman of the Year. As one of BBC's 100 Women, she has empowered women worldwide by openly discussing taboos around sexuality, reproduction, and women's well-being, restoring their courage to reclaim sovereignty over their own bodies. A modern icon, she empowers the world through medical expertise and powerful advocacy.

[For Inquiries and Interview Requests]

Japan Organization for International Cooperation on Family Planning (JOICFP) (Contact: Ono)

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