Food
Traditional FoodSoba noodles are a inexpensive popular Japanese dish served at train stations throughout Japan. Soba are made out
of buckwheat flour, and can be served hot or cold. To
combat the heat and humidity in the summer the noodles are served cold as a
dish called zaru soba. The noodles are
first boiled, then cooled, and washed until all the starch is rinsed off. The
noodles are then served with a soy dipping sauce. The standard dipping sauce is called mentsuyu, and is made from soy, sugar, and mirin ("Basics: Cold soba," 2009).
Typically, slurping is the appropriate way to eat the noodles as it helps to aromate the noodles as you eat them. Slurping helps bring air up through the nose and makes the buckwheat smell better. Soba noodles can be bought dry in the supermarkets, but are much tastier when made fresh. Watching soba noodles being made is now a tourist event. Historically, soba was eaten to prevent beriberi, The traditional Japanese diet was high in white rice which was low in thiamine. Soba is a thiamine rich food. Neighborhoods, usually had at least two places that made soba.("Soba noodles," 2013) On Omisoka, New Years Day, the Japanese will eat soba noodles, rice cakes(Mochi), or a soup made with rice cakes. The noodles are prepared ahead of time because cooking on the first few days of the new year is considered unlucky. The long noodles represent a long life. The noodles must be slurped whole to ensure a long life ("Omisoka: Japanese new," 2013). Mochitsuki, is the year end tradition of making Mochi, or sweet rice cakes for the New Years festival. The making of Mochi is an all day event, which requires much work. The rice must be pounded to form the rice cakes. Making mochi is a time of fellowship, socializing and family ("Mochitsuki: A new," 2005). History of SushiSushi is a popular dish in Japan. The dish was first introduced to Japan in 8th century BC during the Heian period. The dish became popular as Buddhism spread.Originally, fish was stored in fermented rice to preserve it, this was referred to as "pickling." The Japanese altered the recipe over the years and began to serve rice with the fish. Throughout the different periods the process of fermentation was sped up. In 1820's Hanaya Yohei set up his stall near the banks of the Sumida River. Yohei used the new "speed fermentation" process to make the rice, and added a slice of fresh fish to the top. The new idea was the start of a negiri sushi. The fish no longer needed to ferment to preserve it, the fish was so fresh it could be served promptly. Sushi could now be prepared in a number of hours. Yohei is considered the father of modern sushi(Avey, 2012)..
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Citations
Avey, T. (2012, September 05). Discover the history of sushi. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/food/the-history-kitchen/history-of-sushi/
Basics: Cold soba noodles with dipping sauce. (2009, June 30). Retrieved from http://justhungry.com/basics-cold-soba-noodles-dipping-sauce
Menu. (2012). Retrieved from http://hadosushi.com/
Mochitsuki: A new year’s tradition. (2005). Retrieved from http://janmstore.com/mochitsuki.html
Mochitsuki-kai. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://yumemakura.travel.coocan.jp/January 2.html
Mochitsuki - Japanese year-end tradition of making mochi (sweet rice cakes). (2011, December 11). Retrieved from http://www.yelp.com/events/san-diego-mochitsuki-japanese-year-end-tradition-of-making-mochi-sweet-rice-cakes
Omisoka: Japanese new year. (2013). Retrieved from http://zoomingjapan.com/culture/omisoka-japanese-new-years-eve/
Soba noodles. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2341.html
Basics: Cold soba noodles with dipping sauce. (2009, June 30). Retrieved from http://justhungry.com/basics-cold-soba-noodles-dipping-sauce
Menu. (2012). Retrieved from http://hadosushi.com/
Mochitsuki: A new year’s tradition. (2005). Retrieved from http://janmstore.com/mochitsuki.html
Mochitsuki-kai. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://yumemakura.travel.coocan.jp/January 2.html
Mochitsuki - Japanese year-end tradition of making mochi (sweet rice cakes). (2011, December 11). Retrieved from http://www.yelp.com/events/san-diego-mochitsuki-japanese-year-end-tradition-of-making-mochi-sweet-rice-cakes
Omisoka: Japanese new year. (2013). Retrieved from http://zoomingjapan.com/culture/omisoka-japanese-new-years-eve/
Soba noodles. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2341.html
Main Religions in Japan: Shintoism and Buddhism
ShintoismThe religion of Shintoism came to Japan from mainland Asia around 300BC. During the Yayoi period, the paddy-field system was introduced and agricultural rituals and festivals developed. The rituals and festivals became part of the Shintoism. The religion was a form of animal and nature worship. The religion developed out of an admiration for nature, the sun, mountains, water and trees. The name Shinto, meaning "Way of the Gods", was derived from Chinese symbols in the 6th century BC, in an effort to keep it separate from the new Buddhist religion which entered the country at that time.(Hays, 2009).
Shintoism has four main affirmations that followers incorporate into their daily lives: family, purity, nature worship, and matsuri. Family values and traditions are very important in the Shinto religion. Births and marriage are highly celebrated, as they are a way to continue the religion. The religion has a deep respect for nature and encourages one to be in touch with it, so that one can be in touch with the kami, spirits. The belief in purity leads followers to keep clean always: take baths, wash their hands and mouths.("Shinto religion," 2010). Salt is still sprinkled near water fountains, and on Sumo wrestling mats as a sign of purity. Sumo wrestling comes from a type of dance where the person is wrestling with the evil spirit kami.("Facts of japan," 2013). Festivals and celebrations, or matsuri, are held every year to celebrate the kami. Even after Shintoism was lowered to folk religion status after WWII, people still incorporate the four affirmations in their lives. Shinto followers live in harmony with nature and live in peace with others. ("Shinto religion," 2010). Japan is home to thousands of Shinto shrines. One of the most sacred shrines is the Grand Shrine of Ise, Ise Jingu, is located in a dense forest of Japanese cypress trees, the Sacred Forest of Ise Jingu. Thousands of people make pilgrimages each year to visit the sacred shrine. The Ise Shrine consists of tow sanctuaries which are located four miles apart, the Naiku (inner shrine) and the Geku (outer shrine) ("Ise shrine (ise," 2012). The second most important shrine is Izumo Taisha located in of Izumo, Japan ("Izumo taisha, (Izumo," 2013). Shintoism became connected to the governemnt during the Meiji Restoration. In an effort to unify the country under one religion, Shintoism was named the state religion in 1868. The emperor called himself akitsumikamia, living god. (Sletton, 2010). Shintoism's connection to the government came at the end of WWII. After WWII, the Japanese were forced to separate church and state when the US occupying forces issued the Shinto Directive. Shinto was the source of military and ultra-nationalistic beliefs, and was backed by public funds. However, with Japan’s defeat in WWII, the emperor lost his power, and his duties became ceremonial; the emperor admitted that was not God.(Sletton, 2010). |
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BuddhismBuddhism originated in Northern, India around the 5th century BCE. Buddhism then spread to Asia, China, Korea, and then to Japan. In 538 CE, a political delegation from Korea brought Buddhism to Japan. The ruler of Baekje, a Korean kingdom, brought a statue of Buddha along with some scrolls and presented it to Emperor Kimmei. Some controversy ensued about accepting the gifts, due to the country’s Shinto religion. One clan liked the new religion, so the gifts were accepted, and temples were built. ("Part i: A," 2012).
Buddhism offered both intellectual and moral precepts. Buddhist temples became cultural center; they were used as schools, hospitals, orphanages, and as a home for the elderly. The monks became the school teachers at the temples. When Zen Buddhism was introduced, the idea that everyone had the nature of Buddha and could become Buddha was also introduced. Buddhism is in the decline, yet it has left an impact on the culture. Many of the Japanese values and social traditions come from Buddhism. Funerals are carried out in Buddhist ceremony. The Japanese ways of being come from the Zen Buddhism: self discipline, calmness, and self-control. The honor of the Samurai came form the Zen's belief in self-actualization. The concepts of harmony and calmness even extends into the corporate world, there hasn't been any labor strikes in the country. (Kumar, 2013) Zen influence is also seen in tea cermonies, gardens, flower arranging, poetry, and calligraphy.("Things japanese -," 2013). Buddhist temples are placed all over Japan, they act as places of worship. Every town has at least one temple, bigger cities have many more. The town of Kyoto has several thousand temples.("Buddhist temples," 2013). About 40years after Buddhism entered into Japan, Prince Regent Shotoku declared Buddhism the official religion. The prince believed that the Buddhist religion could unite Japan and refine its culture. During this time the government sponsored the Buddhist temples, and this caused Buddhism to grow. In the Muromachi period, the government caused disputes among Buddhist temples by favoring certain ones. During the Momoyama period, the government was overthrown and leaders tried to suppress Buddhism. Later, in Japan's Imperial period, Shintoism was declared the official religion, and this caused Buddhism to decline. ("Part i: A," 2012). |
Citations
Buddhist temples. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2058.html
Exploring Japan: Spirituality – the social fabric of japan. (2006). Retrieved from http://www.museevirtuel-virtualmuseum.ca/edu/ViewLoitDa.do;jsessionid=B1547B8EED03509F708316028614BF84?method=preview&lang=EN&id=578
Facts of Japan - martial arts part i. (2013). Retrieved from http://loonybg.hubpages.com/hub/Facts-of-Japan-Martial-Arts-Part-I
Hays, J. (2009). Shinto: Beliefs, kami, purity, creation, gods and the emperor. Retrieved from http://factsanddetails.com/japan.php?itemid=591
Ise shrine(Ise Jingu), Ise. (2012). Retrieved March/22, 2013, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/japan/ise-shrine
Izumo Taisha (Izumo grand shrine). (2013). Retrieved March/22, 2013, from http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5804.html
Kumar, V. (2013). The influence of zen buddhism on the culture of japan. Retrieved from http://www.helium.com/items/1102615-zen-budhhism-chan-influence-zen-japan-japanese-religions-religion-japan
Part i: A brief history of buddhism in japan. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.buddhanet.net/nippon/nippon_partI.html
Religion concept review. (2010). Retrieved from http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/412/422174/05fig09.gif
Shinto religion. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.tokyotopia.com/shinto-religion.html
Shinto shrines. (2010). Retrieved March/22, 2013, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/sacred-sites/shinto-shrines.htm
Sletton, S. (2010, May 08). Shintoism in japan. Retrieved from http://personal.stthomas.edu/smsletten/yasukuni/shintoism/shintoismjapan.html
Things japanese - zen buddhism. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/network/english/newsletter/things_japanese_20.html
Exploring Japan: Spirituality – the social fabric of japan. (2006). Retrieved from http://www.museevirtuel-virtualmuseum.ca/edu/ViewLoitDa.do;jsessionid=B1547B8EED03509F708316028614BF84?method=preview&lang=EN&id=578
Facts of Japan - martial arts part i. (2013). Retrieved from http://loonybg.hubpages.com/hub/Facts-of-Japan-Martial-Arts-Part-I
Hays, J. (2009). Shinto: Beliefs, kami, purity, creation, gods and the emperor. Retrieved from http://factsanddetails.com/japan.php?itemid=591
Ise shrine(Ise Jingu), Ise. (2012). Retrieved March/22, 2013, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/japan/ise-shrine
Izumo Taisha (Izumo grand shrine). (2013). Retrieved March/22, 2013, from http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5804.html
Kumar, V. (2013). The influence of zen buddhism on the culture of japan. Retrieved from http://www.helium.com/items/1102615-zen-budhhism-chan-influence-zen-japan-japanese-religions-religion-japan
Part i: A brief history of buddhism in japan. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.buddhanet.net/nippon/nippon_partI.html
Religion concept review. (2010). Retrieved from http://wps.prenhall.com/wps/media/objects/412/422174/05fig09.gif
Shinto religion. (2010). Retrieved from http://www.tokyotopia.com/shinto-religion.html
Shinto shrines. (2010). Retrieved March/22, 2013, from http://www.sacred-destinations.com/sacred-sites/shinto-shrines.htm
Sletton, S. (2010, May 08). Shintoism in japan. Retrieved from http://personal.stthomas.edu/smsletten/yasukuni/shintoism/shintoismjapan.html
Things japanese - zen buddhism. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.yamasa.org/acjs/network/english/newsletter/things_japanese_20.html
UN report on Women's Rights Issues:
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UN Report on Violence Against Women (VAW) in JapanIn 2010 UN held an international symposium about violence against women (VAW) in commemoration of International Women’s Day. People from around the world came together to discuss the problem of violence towards women. Japan is trying to bring awareness to the problem of VAW. AS part of the VAW campaign the Gender Equality Bureau in the Cabinet Office of the Japanese government created a logo symbolizing her arms crossed (shown on the left).
Women experience many different types of violence some at home, some at work, and some on the streets. Efforts to prevent violence against women have not been substantial enough; it is still prevalent in much of the world. The map below show that sex trafficking of females is illegal in Japan but still practiced. Japan is a destination country for human trafficking and forced labor. Japan has a large number of women and girls who are trafficked for sexual exploitation. Japan has made some effort to curb the problem. In 2005, Japan made an amendment to its criminal code that prohibits the buying and selling of people. However, very few people are actually convicted of the offense. In 2010, only 3 forced labor cases were tried, and there weren’t any cases of sex trafficking filed, or tried. The victims of the crimes have little support, and the country is short of dedicated shelters for those victims. According to the US Department of State, Japan needs to put more effort towards enforcing laws against sex trafficking, and prosecuting the criminals that are behind it. ("Japan," 2001-2006). Not only are women taken advantage of by the sex industry, but they are harassed at work too. Inroads have been made area concerning workplace harassment with the passage of the Gender Inequality Law. (Shan-Loong, 2000). Yet, women are still treated as office decorations and are called ‘shokuba no hana’, or ‘office flowers’. In the office, women perform clerical duties and rarely advance. When women get married or become pregnant, they are often expected or forced to retire. (KNAPP,1995). More efforts need to be done to promote equality in the workplace. Figure 2 shows Japan has having very small percentage of women in Parliament. Figure 3 shows, Japan ties Botswana for the 122nd place out of the world for workforce equality in Parliament. With only 7.9% of the workers in the Lower House and 18.2% of the workers in the Upper House being female. ("Womanstats maps,"). The numbers are far from reaching equality, as the ratio between men and women in Japan is almost 50/50.("The world fact," 2013). Domestic violence (DV) is another issue that women face in Japan. In the past Japanese women didn’t discuss problems of DV in public, but now women believe that it should be reported. Recently, statistics, show that one in ten Japanese women will suffer from DV at some point in their life. Due to some cases being so publicized and violent, the government passed a law in 2001 making domestic violence a crime punishable by up to $10,000 fine and up to a year in prison. Japan has many domestic violence shelters for women, but finding a way to support oneself is another matter. Japan needs more programs to help victims of DV back on their feet: job training, education, and counseling. ("Domestic violence comes," 2012). Japan is a beautiful country, but the Japanese women deserve better. Women should not have to fear domestic violence, workplace harassment, or sex trafficking. Let’s help Japan to make advances in law enforcement to end the violence. Let’s spread the word that women need not suffer from this kind of abuse, display the no to VAW symbol, and proudly cross our arms with them against violence. |
Citations:
Domestic violence comes to the fore in japan. (2012, October 16). Retrieved from http://www.majiroxnews.com/2012/10/16/domestic-violence-comes-to-the-fore-in-japan/
Gender equality bureau cabinet office. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gender.go.jp/dv/boryoku/
Harv. Women's L.J. 83&src&srcid=3B15&key=77171b8f0e5c4d6c6e8977c03697686f
Japan. (2001-2006). Retrieved from http://www.humantrafficking.org/countries/japan
KNAPP, K. K. ( 1995). Article: Still office flowers. Retrieved from https://litigation-essentials.lexisnexis.com/webcd/app?action=DocumentDisplay&crawlid=1&doc&docid=18 Harv. Women's L.J. 83&src&srcid=3B15&key=77171b8f0e5c4d6c6e8977c03697686f
Over 500 women and men in japan united to say no to violence against women. (2010, March 26). Retrieved from http://saynotoviolence.org/join-say-no/over-500-women-and-men-japan-united-say-no-violence-against-women
Shan-Loong, M. L. (2000, March 14). Tradition & change – examining gender roles in japan. Retrieved from http://marklsl.tripod.com/Writings/japan.htm
The world fact book. (2013, February 05). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html
Women in national parliaments. (2013, February 01). Retrieved from http://www.ipu.org/wmn-e/classif.htm
Womanstats maps. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://womanstats.org/mapEntrez.htm
Gender equality bureau cabinet office. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.gender.go.jp/dv/boryoku/
Harv. Women's L.J. 83&src&srcid=3B15&key=77171b8f0e5c4d6c6e8977c03697686f
Japan. (2001-2006). Retrieved from http://www.humantrafficking.org/countries/japan
KNAPP, K. K. ( 1995). Article: Still office flowers. Retrieved from https://litigation-essentials.lexisnexis.com/webcd/app?action=DocumentDisplay&crawlid=1&doc&docid=18 Harv. Women's L.J. 83&src&srcid=3B15&key=77171b8f0e5c4d6c6e8977c03697686f
Over 500 women and men in japan united to say no to violence against women. (2010, March 26). Retrieved from http://saynotoviolence.org/join-say-no/over-500-women-and-men-japan-united-say-no-violence-against-women
Shan-Loong, M. L. (2000, March 14). Tradition & change – examining gender roles in japan. Retrieved from http://marklsl.tripod.com/Writings/japan.htm
The world fact book. (2013, February 05). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html
Women in national parliaments. (2013, February 01). Retrieved from http://www.ipu.org/wmn-e/classif.htm
Womanstats maps. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://womanstats.org/mapEntrez.htm
Japan Statistics:
Economy: Labor force by occupation:
agriculture: 3.9%
industry: 26.2%
services: 69.8% (2010 est.)
Economy: Agriculture Products:
rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; pork, poultry, dairy products, eggs; fish
(Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch.)
Economy: Industriesamong world's largest and technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods
People & Society:Religions:
Shintoism 83.9%, Buddhism 71.4%, Christianity 2%, other 7.8%
note: total adherents exceeds 100% because many people belong to both Shintoism and Buddhism (2005)
People & Society:Literacy:
Definition: age 15 and over can read and write
Total population: 99%:
male: 99%
female: 99% (2002)
Government: Government type:a parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy
Energy: Electricity Consumption:859.7 billion kWh (2011 est.) (fifth highest in the world)
Communication: Internet Users: 99.182 million (2009)
Communication: Broadcast Media: a mixture of public and commercial broadcast TV and radio stations; 5 national terrestrial TV networks including 1 public broadcaster; the large number of radio and TV stations available provide a wide range of choices; satellite and cable services provide access to international channels (2008)
Military: Military Service age & obligation:
18 years of age for voluntary military service; Maritime Self-Defense Force mandatory retirement at age 54 (2011)
Citation:
The world factbook. (2012updated weekly). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html
agriculture: 3.9%
industry: 26.2%
services: 69.8% (2010 est.)
Economy: Agriculture Products:
rice, sugar beets, vegetables, fruit; pork, poultry, dairy products, eggs; fish
(Japan maintains one of the world's largest fishing fleets and accounts for nearly 15% of the global catch.)
Economy: Industriesamong world's largest and technologically advanced producers of motor vehicles, electronic equipment, machine tools, steel and nonferrous metals, ships, chemicals, textiles, processed foods
People & Society:Religions:
Shintoism 83.9%, Buddhism 71.4%, Christianity 2%, other 7.8%
note: total adherents exceeds 100% because many people belong to both Shintoism and Buddhism (2005)
People & Society:Literacy:
Definition: age 15 and over can read and write
Total population: 99%:
male: 99%
female: 99% (2002)
Government: Government type:a parliamentary government with a constitutional monarchy
Energy: Electricity Consumption:859.7 billion kWh (2011 est.) (fifth highest in the world)
Communication: Internet Users: 99.182 million (2009)
Communication: Broadcast Media: a mixture of public and commercial broadcast TV and radio stations; 5 national terrestrial TV networks including 1 public broadcaster; the large number of radio and TV stations available provide a wide range of choices; satellite and cable services provide access to international channels (2008)
Military: Military Service age & obligation:
18 years of age for voluntary military service; Maritime Self-Defense Force mandatory retirement at age 54 (2011)
Citation:
The world factbook. (2012updated weekly). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ja.html
Graphs: Showing Cultural & Societal Trends
The following charts show how Japan has progressed over the years. Over the last forty years, the average number of women going to school has steadily increased. With a higher education women can increase their earning potential. As the income per household has risen, people have more money to spend on electricity in their homes to power the latest advances in technology: washing machines, computers, cell phones. As the society has progressed technologically and the number of doctors has increased, the infant mortality has decreased considerably. Japanese society seems to be in an upward trend, with advances in many areas, and decreases in crimes like murder.("Gapminder for a," 2008).
Chart Citation
Gapminder for a fact based world view. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.gapminder.org/
Additional Cultural Websites
The Japan Fact Sheet webpage offers a very clear format to look at the different aspects of Japanese culture. the page is categorized into five main cultural categories, and there are listings in each category to click on. Pick a listing an it takes you to a page with a explanation and picture of the item.
http://web-japan.org/factsheet/
The Facts about Japan website has and extensive list of culture that is broken down into categories. Each item takes you to a page with detailed information about the subject .http://www.facts-about-japan.com/japanese-culture.html
http://web-japan.org/factsheet/
The Facts about Japan website has and extensive list of culture that is broken down into categories. Each item takes you to a page with detailed information about the subject .http://www.facts-about-japan.com/japanese-culture.html
Gender Roles
Gender roles in Japan are constantly evolving. Japan has a patriarchal society. The men are considered the breadwinners, and the women are the primary caregivers of the family. (Shan-Loong, 2000). Men expect women to be submissive, and put their career and life choices second to theirs. Women are expected to quit their jobs when they get married. (Ireland, 2011). In the workforce, men have increased career opportunities; women are considered to be temporary workers and have limited career advancement (Shan-Loong, 2000). The ingrained mindset of male dominance in the workforce stems back to a political slogan from 1910, “Good wife, wise mother,” which was used to promote the birth rate. As a result, a woman’s role is to raise the children, take care of the household, and manage the finances. Since men are rarely home, their position is to play with the children on weekends, and do about 20-30 minutes of housework. (Friedman, 1992).
In recent years, women have worked longer before they “retire,” quit and have a baby. Women are more educated and have chosen to remain single to be able to continue working. (Friedman, 1992). Women began to enter the workforce in WWII when there was a shortage of workers. As more women entered the workforce, gender inequalities became noticeable and the government passed the Gender Inequality law. As women’s right progressed, women have given up the concept of omiai, arranged marriage, choosing instead to meet their husband at work. (Shan-Loong, 2000). However, women, today, still honor the role of being a wife and a mother. (Ireland, 2011).
The gender roles have changed over the years. Before the time of the Samurai, Japanese society was matrilineal. Confucianism, Buddhism, and Samurai influence brought about discrimination of women. Women could not own land. (Friedman, 1992). Around 1868, the Samurai era came to an end, with the introduction of western influence. Fearful of western influence, the Meiji government decided to establish the roles of women. In 1889, the Japanese Imperial Constitution established the nuclear family, with the man in charge. (Friedman, 1992).
The patriarchal ideas from the past are still quite entrenched in society today. However, progress toward equality is being made. (Ireland, 2011).
References
Friedman, S. (1992, December). Women in japanese society: Their changing roles. Retrieved from http://www2.gol.com/users/friedman/writings/p1.html
Ireland, K. (2011, January 07). Japanese women quit job after marriage. Retrieved from http://www.genderacrossborders.com/2011/01/07/japanese-women-quit-job-after-marriage/
Shan-Loong, M. L. (2000, March 14). Tradition & change – examining gender roles in japan. Retrieved from http://marklsl.tripod.com/Writings/japan.htm
In recent years, women have worked longer before they “retire,” quit and have a baby. Women are more educated and have chosen to remain single to be able to continue working. (Friedman, 1992). Women began to enter the workforce in WWII when there was a shortage of workers. As more women entered the workforce, gender inequalities became noticeable and the government passed the Gender Inequality law. As women’s right progressed, women have given up the concept of omiai, arranged marriage, choosing instead to meet their husband at work. (Shan-Loong, 2000). However, women, today, still honor the role of being a wife and a mother. (Ireland, 2011).
The gender roles have changed over the years. Before the time of the Samurai, Japanese society was matrilineal. Confucianism, Buddhism, and Samurai influence brought about discrimination of women. Women could not own land. (Friedman, 1992). Around 1868, the Samurai era came to an end, with the introduction of western influence. Fearful of western influence, the Meiji government decided to establish the roles of women. In 1889, the Japanese Imperial Constitution established the nuclear family, with the man in charge. (Friedman, 1992).
The patriarchal ideas from the past are still quite entrenched in society today. However, progress toward equality is being made. (Ireland, 2011).
References
Friedman, S. (1992, December). Women in japanese society: Their changing roles. Retrieved from http://www2.gol.com/users/friedman/writings/p1.html
Ireland, K. (2011, January 07). Japanese women quit job after marriage. Retrieved from http://www.genderacrossborders.com/2011/01/07/japanese-women-quit-job-after-marriage/
Shan-Loong, M. L. (2000, March 14). Tradition & change – examining gender roles in japan. Retrieved from http://marklsl.tripod.com/Writings/japan.htm