Women-only trains might be considered a rather drastic measure by some people, but the introduction of such a service was at least based on legitimate reasons. Convenience store chain am/pm’s plan to open a shop called ‘Happily’ that targets only female shoppers however is on slightly less solid ground.
Initially set to open on a trial basis in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, the store will sell precooked food, desserts, and in a nod to its targeted clientele, cosmetics. The fella-free feel will also be enhanced by all the staff being women — except at nighttime, when suitably effeminate men will presumably be on duty. Plus as an added touch to bring the punters in, the ladies’ room will be furnished with a dressing table.
‘Happily’ is set to fling open its doors on December 19, and if I can get hold of an outfit that makes me into a passable female, I may have to go in and surreptitiously lift up the toilet seat.