WE'RE sure it seemed like a good idea at the time.
Japanese department store giant Daimaru has scrapped a new "period badge" for female staff to wear when menstruating, after the concept sparked a social media storm.
The voluntary initiative, in a Daimaru store near Osaka, was the outcome of a proposal by some staff who said it could alert colleagues that co-workers having their period might require longer breaks, or extra assistance lifting heavy items.
However, when the plan was reported by local media some customers took to Twitter to question the merit of the "period badge," according to an AFP report.
Apparently the idea of the badge came during staff engagement, which was part of the launch of a new store section for young women dedicated to feminine hygiene.
The funky new department, which launched late last month, featured a mascot called "Seiri-chan" whose name means "Little Miss Period".
Seiri-chan is a Japanese cartoon character who visits women every month, and whose adventures were recently featured in a new movie.
A Daimaru spokeswoman said due to the public reaction the store would use an alternative way to indicate when it was "that time of the month".
"Most of our staff are women, and staff members support this program. We will continue in a better way," she said.
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