Colabo, Other Japan Women’s Groups Enduring Targeted Harassment

Colabo and other women’s support groups in Japan are enduring targeted harassment campaigns from men opposed to their missions.

By Alyssa Pearl Fusek

For almost a year now, the group Colabo that helps displaced girls and young women in Tokyo has been the target of vicious harassment and slander online and off. While Colabo and its founder Nito Yumeno aren’t strangers to unfounded criticism, speculation of misused public funds has kick-started a vicious harassment campaign fueled by right-wingers against an organization already barely getting by.

What is Colabo?

Colabo works to to help runaways and displaced teenage girls avoid or escape sexual exploitation. They perform night patrols and other outreach activities to help those in distress or unable to go home. They also manage Tsubomi Cafe, a free bus cafe and resource center providing basic necessities and a safe place to rest in Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Since 2018, Colabo is one of a few organizations working with the Tokyo government’s project to support young women escaping abuse or sexual violence. The COVID-19 pandemic drastically impacted the livelihoods of women and children, making…