Japanese Court Rules That Using Chan is Sexual Harassment

Using “chan” is considered sexual harassment in the workplace, according to a new Japanese court ruling that ordered an employee to pay damages after referring to a colleague with the suffix. The case drew national attention, sparking debate over language, respect, and boundaries at work.

A Tokyo district court ordered a man to pay 220,000 yen (R$ 7,665.87) in damages to a female coworker from a Sagawa Express branch. The woman, in her 40s, filed a lawsuit in 2023 seeking about 5.5 million yen for harassment-related damages.

Japanese Court Rules That Using Chan is Sexual Harassment

The court found that the repeated use of the Japanese suffix “chan”—typically associated with children, intimate acquaintances, or infantilizing speech—was part of inappropriate conduct. Additionally, the man reportedly made remarks such as “you are cute,” “I can see your underwear,” and “you have a nice body.” The woman developed depression and later resigned.

According to the decision, released on October 23, using “chan” in the workplace has little justification and is not appropriate for professional relationships. As a result, the court recognized the behavior as sexual harassment, awarding 220,000 yen in damages.

The woman also sued Sagawa Express, but the company reached a settlement in February 2025, paying 700,000 yen as part of the resolution.

Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare had previously issued guidance stating that, depending on the situation, using “chan” at work could be considered sexual harassment. The recent ruling reinforces this guidance, emphasizing that context and intention are important factors.

Harassment-prevention specialist Yuko Yamafuji commented that the ruling does not mean that simply using “chan” automatically constitutes sexual harassment, but that in this case it contributed to a pattern of inappropriate behavior. She argues that even when intended to create familiarity, the professional environment requires respect in both language and demeanor.

In interviews conducted in Tokyo’s Shinbashi district, many workers said they address colleagues with “san,” a neutral, respectful form used regardless of gender. Some noted that using “chan” for some people and “san” for others could cause discomfort and misunderstandings.

Opinions among female workers were divided. One woman said she felt uncomfortable being addressed as “chan” without closeness, while another said she did not mind, interpreting the suffix as a friendly gesture.

Yamafuji also commented on the use of “kun,” often applied to younger men, noting that the term is typically associated with boys and does not necessarily convey respect in professional settings. Therefore, “san” remains the most neutral and appropriate form of address, regardless of gender or rank.