The Traditional Status of Women in Japan

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 130 views

Introduction

Feminism is a fundamental concept that advocates for equality between men and women. In the context of modernization, feminism emerges as a thought that challenges ancient views that tend to be patriarchal, resulting in discrimination against women. Japan, a country with a rich cultural heritage, has been influenced by Western culture, particularly during the Meiji restoration era. However, the influence and development of feminism in Japan were only seen a few years after the Meiji restoration. This article aims to explore the journey of feminism in modernization in Japan, highlighting the challenges and achievements of women in this process.

The Traditional Status of Women in Japan

In the past, the status of women in Japan was supported by various traditional teachings. Shinto and Buddhism allowed women to become priests or nuns, but they did not have power equal to men. Confucianism, on the other hand, placed women in a lower position and often treated them unfairly. The limitations of this role made women function only as mothers and wives, with their obligation being to take care of their husbands, children, and household affairs. A wife would not even be recognized by her husband's family if she could not give birth to a boy. These traditional teachings still maintain some idealization, such as "Ryosai Kenbo" (a good wife, a wise mother), which is still maintained by some Japanese people.

The Arrival of Feminism in Japan

The arrival of feminism in Japan was a new hope for marginalized women. Feminists such as Hiratsuka Raichou, Ichikawa Fusae, and Yamakawa Kikue were active in fighting for women's rights and asking the government to provide protection and recognition of political rights for women. They also realized the movement of feminism through various organizations, such as The New Woman Association, The Red Wave Society, and Tokyo Federation of Women's Organizations. Thanks to their efforts, changes began to be seen in various sectors, ranging from education to politics, as well as in domestic life and jobs.

Progress and Challenges

At present, women in Japan have the opportunity to work with protection from the government. Although the salary they receive is still smaller than men, women can now choose various types of work, ranging from workers to office employees. In terms of household, the husband's power is no longer absolute; there is now a discussion between husband and wife. Marriage is also no longer regarded as coercion, but rather a choice, especially for women. However, despite the progress made, there is still rejection from some people. This rejection arises because feminism is considered to encourage women to choose a career, which then causes social phenomena such as the delay of marriage (Bakonka), rejection to get married (hikonka), and the decision not to have children or only have one child (Hitoriko). As a result, there is a decrease in birth rates (shouse) which is a serious concern for the government and Japanese people, because it can threaten the future of the Japanese population.

The Connection between Feminism and Shoushika Phenomenon

Although feminism has a connection with the Shoushika phenomenon, this remains an important part of the modernization process that has brought significant changes to women in Japan. Indeed, every change achieved usually requires sacrifice. Therefore, it can be said that the Shoushika phenomenon is a sacrifice to achieve better modernization in Japan. The Shoushika phenomenon, which refers to the decrease in birth rates, is a complex issue that is closely related to the changes brought about by feminism. While feminism has provided freedom and progress for women, it has also led to a decrease in birth rates, which is a serious concern for the government and Japanese people.

Conclusion

Feminism in Japan features a complex and challenging journey. By giving women the right to participate in society, feminism not only changes their social status, but also contributes to the process of state modernization. Efforts to achieve gender equality are important steps that must be taken by Japan to create a more just and sustainable society. Through understanding and acceptance of feminism, it is hoped that Japan can continue the journey to modernization which is completely and inclusive.

Recommendations

To achieve a more just and sustainable society, the following recommendations are made:

Promote Education and Awareness: Education and awareness are key to promoting gender equality and understanding the importance of feminism in modernization.
Encourage Women's Participation: Encouraging women's participation in society, particularly in politics and the workforce, is essential to achieving gender equality.
Address the Shoushika Phenomenon: Addressing the Shoushika phenomenon, which refers to the decrease in birth rates, is crucial to ensuring the future of the Japanese population.
Foster a Culture of Inclusion: Fostering a culture of inclusion, where women are valued and respected, is essential to achieving a more just and sustainable society.

By following these recommendations, Japan can continue its journey to modernization, which is completely and inclusive.

Introduction

In our previous article, we explored the journey of feminism in modernization in Japan, highlighting the challenges and achievements of women in this process. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about feminism in Japan, providing a deeper understanding of this complex and challenging journey.

Q: What is feminism, and how does it relate to modernization in Japan?

A: Feminism is a fundamental concept that advocates for equality between men and women. In the context of modernization, feminism emerges as a thought that challenges ancient views that tend to be patriarchal, resulting in discrimination against women. Japan, a country with a rich cultural heritage, has been influenced by Western culture, particularly during the Meiji restoration era. However, the influence and development of feminism in Japan were only seen a few years after the Meiji restoration.

Q: What were the traditional teachings that supported the status of women in Japan?

A: In the past, the status of women in Japan was supported by various traditional teachings. Shinto and Buddhism allowed women to become priests or nuns, but they did not have power equal to men. Confucianism, on the other hand, placed women in a lower position and often treated them unfairly. The limitations of this role made women function only as mothers and wives, with their obligation being to take care of their husbands, children, and household affairs.

Q: Who were some of the key feminists in Japan, and what were their contributions?

A: Feminists such as Hiratsuka Raichou, Ichikawa Fusae, and Yamakawa Kikue were active in fighting for women's rights and asking the government to provide protection and recognition of political rights for women. They also realized the movement of feminism through various organizations, such as The New Woman Association, The Red Wave Society, and Tokyo Federation of Women's Organizations.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in Japan face today?

A: Despite the progress made, there are still challenges that women in Japan face today. These include a decrease in birth rates, which is a serious concern for the government and Japanese people, because it can threaten the future of the Japanese population. Additionally, women in Japan still face a salary gap, with women earning less than men for the same work.

Q: What is the connection between feminism and the Shoushika phenomenon?

A: Although feminism has a connection with the Shoushika phenomenon, this remains an important part of the modernization process that has brought significant changes to women in Japan. Indeed, every change achieved usually requires sacrifice. Therefore, it can be said that the Shoushika phenomenon is a sacrifice to achieve better modernization in Japan.

Q: What are some of the recommendations for achieving a more just and sustainable society in Japan?

A: To achieve a more just and sustainable society, the following recommendations are made:

Promote Education and Awareness: Education and awareness are key to promoting gender equality and understanding the importance of feminism in modernization.
Encourage Women's Participation: Encouraging women's participation in society, particularly in politics and the workforce, is essential to achieving gender equality.
Address the Shoushika Phenomenon: Addressing the Shoushika phenomenon, which refers to the decrease in birth rates, is crucial to ensuring the future of the Japanese population.
Foster a Culture of Inclusion: Fostering a culture of inclusion, where women are valued and respected, is essential to achieving a more just and sustainable society.

Conclusion

Additional Resources

For those interested in learning more about feminism in Japan, the following resources are recommended:

Books: "The Japanese Woman: Traditional Image and Modern Reality" by Joyce C. Lebra, "Women in Modern Japan" by Joyce C. Lebra, and "Feminism in Modern Japan" by Barbara Molony.
Articles: "Feminism in Japan: A Historical Perspective" by Barbara Molony, "The Women's Movement in Japan" by Joyce C. Lebra, and "Feminism and Modernization in Japan" by Barbara Molony.
Websites: The Japan Women's University, The Japanese Women's Association, and The Tokyo Federation of Women's Organizations.

By exploring these resources, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complex and challenging journey of feminism in modernization in Japan.