Homeless Women in Shelters and on the Street: “Hidden Homelessness” in Japan

1. Summary Many countries, whether rich or poor, developed or developing, suffer from problems with homelessness. In Japan, which is one of the richest countries in the world, these problems have also grown since 1990s. These days, research on homelessness in Japan is gradually increasing, but there are virtually no studies on homeless women. The objectives of this study are (1) to reveal the circumstances of “hidden homeless” women in Japan and (2) to examine what kind of assistance they need. By using a case study approach, I will compare the conditions of female rough sleepers with that of women staying in a shelter. Although their conditions differ, they have some common needs, such as the need for supportive relationships as well as assistance in relation to income, employment and housing.