WHAT FEMINISM in JAPAN REALLY LIKE? Japanese girls' and boys' ideas on equality in Japan

Summary

In this video, the host explores the concept of feminism in Japan by interviewing locals about their understanding and experiences. The script reveals traditional gender roles persist, with men often holding higher positions in companies and women predominantly as homemakers. Despite some progress, such as dual-income families and workplace changes, challenges remain, including wage disparities and societal expectations. The discussion also touches on unique Japanese phenomena like 'teishukanpaku' and women-only train cars, reflecting ongoing conversations about gender equality.

Takeaways

• 🏡 Traditional gender roles persist in Japan, with women often expected to stay at home as wives and men to be the dominant figures in the household.
• 💼 In the workplace, men are more likely to hold higher positions and be seen as bosses, reflecting a gender hierarchy.
• 👶 Changes are occurring with more dual-income families and companies offering childcare support, indicating a shift from traditional norms.
• 🏠 The concept of 'teishukanpaku', where men are the rulers of the house, is still prevalent, especially in regions like Kyushu.
• 🚫 Some individuals, particularly women, express a desire for gender equality and are critical of the treatment of women in Japan.
• 🐕 For some, the preference is to avoid traditional gender roles altogether, choosing to stay single or live with animals.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The difficulty of balancing work and childcare is highlighted, with a lack of kindergarten slots being a significant issue.
• 💼 There is a recognition of gender discrimination in the workplace, with unequal pay and certain jobs still perceived as male or female domains.
• 🚌 Public transportation provides women-only cars for safety and comfort, which some women appreciate but also wish were more prevalent.
• 💰 There is a noted difference in wage income between men and women, with many interviewees expressing a desire for equal pay.
• 🛍️ Some areas, like certain stores and onsen areas, are designated as women-only, which some view as a positive aspect for women in Japan.

Q & A

What is the general attitude towards feminism in Japan according to the video?

Many people in Japan are unfamiliar with the word 'feminism,' and traditional gender roles are still prevalent. There is a belief that men stand above women in many aspects, especially in companies and households.

How do traditional gender roles manifest in Japanese households, according to the interviewees?

In many households, especially in more traditional regions like Kyushu, the man is seen as the dominant ruler of the house, making most of the important decisions. The wife is expected to serve and please him.

Has there been any progress toward gender equality in Japan?

Yes, some progress has been made, especially in the availability of child care support from companies and more women working. However, traditional gender roles still persist in many areas, and the income gap between men and women remains a significant issue.

What are some of the challenges women face in the workplace in Japan?

Women often face discrimination in terms of salary, with men earning more for similar roles. There are also certain professions where men dominate, such as jobs requiring physical strength or driving occupations.

What are 'women-only train cars,' and why do they exist in Japan?

Women-only train cars are designated areas on trains where only women can ride, especially during rush hours. They exist to provide a safer environment for women and help protect them from harassment during commutes.

What is 'Teishukanpaku' and how does it reflect gender roles in Japan?

Teishukanpaku refers to a household where the man is the dominant figure, and the wife must cater to his desires. It reflects the traditional, patriarchal structure still prevalent in some Japanese households.

How do Japanese women generally handle household finances?

Interestingly, while men may be seen as the head of the household, the wife often controls the family’s finances. She allocates the husband’s income, distributes allowances, and manages the overall budget.

What changes have occurred in gender roles within Japanese families?

More families now have both parents working, and companies have started to offer child care support. However, traditional images of the housewife are still strong, particularly in more rural areas.

What cultural symbol was used to describe women’s marriage age in Japan?

The 'leftover Christmas cake' analogy was used to describe women over 25 who were considered past their prime for marriage. While this idea has shifted, it reflects the pressure on women to marry early.

How does Japan's media portray women, according to the speaker?

Japanese media often pushes the image of the obedient housewife or young attractive girls. There is less representation of women who are neither married nor young, creating a narrow portrayal of women in society.

Outlines

00:00

🌏 Perspectives on Feminism in Japan

The paragraph explores the concept of feminism in Japan through interviews with Japanese citizens. It reveals that while some are aware of the term 'feminism', there is a general perception that men hold a higher status in society, particularly in the workplace and at home. Traditional gender roles are still prevalent, with women often expected to be housewives and men to be the primary breadwinners. However, there are signs of change, such as dual-income families and companies offering childcare support. The interviewees express a desire for greater gender equality, including equal pay and the sharing of domestic responsibilities. Some also mention the challenges faced by women in Japan, like the difficulty of securing childcare and the expectation that men should be the first to use the bathtub after bathing. Despite these issues, there is a sense of progress compared to the past.

05:02

🚺 Women-Only Spaces and Gender Dynamics in Japan

This section delves into the gender dynamics in Japan, highlighting the existence of women-only spaces such as train cars and onsen areas. The interviewees discuss the benefits and necessity of these spaces, citing safety and comfort as reasons for their appreciation. There is also a mention of the traditional expectation that men should pay for dates and carry luggage for women, which some view as unequal. The paragraph contrasts the traditional gender roles with modern changes, such as women managing household finances. The discussion touches on the challenges faced by women, including the scarcity of kindergarten slots, which can impact their ability to work. There is also commentary on societal expectations of women, such as marrying early and the portrayal of women in media, which often perpetuates the image of the obedient housewife.

10:03

💭 Exploring Feminism and Gender Equality

The final paragraph continues the discussion on feminism and gender equality in Japan. It touches upon the traditional view of men as the leaders of the household, including getting to make the first bath after work. However, it also points out that women often control the family finances, which can be seen as a form of empowerment. The paragraph concludes with a call for respectful discussion on the topic of feminism and a prompt for viewers to share their thoughts on gender equality in Japan and their own countries. The video creator encourages viewers to be kind to each other and to engage in mature conversations about feminism.

Keywords

💡Feminism

Feminism refers to the belief in and advocacy for gender equality, particularly between men and women. In the video, feminism is a central topic where people are asked if they know the term and if they believe men and women are treated equally in Japan. Some interviewees are unfamiliar with the term, while others mention the existing inequality in areas such as work and family life, indicating that feminism as a concept is still not fully embraced in Japan.

💡Teishukanpaku

Teishukanpaku refers to the traditional Japanese concept where the man is the dominant ruler of the household. This is mentioned in the video by one of the interviewees, who describes her father as adhering to this old-fashioned view, where the man makes decisions and the wife is submissive. This term illustrates the persistence of gender roles in Japanese households.

💡Housewife image

The housewife image refers to the stereotypical portrayal of women in Japan as homemakers, responsible for cooking, cleaning, and raising children. The video discusses how this image is still prevalent in Japan, seen in commercials and societal expectations. Although some women work, many are still expected to take on domestic roles, which reflects traditional gender roles.

💡Workplace inequality

Workplace inequality refers to the unequal treatment of men and women in professional settings, particularly in terms of salary, promotions, and job opportunities. In the video, interviewees mention that men are generally in higher positions and earn more, while certain jobs are still seen as either male- or female-specific, highlighting the gender discrimination that persists in Japan.

💡Women-only spaces

Women-only spaces, such as train cars and onsen (hot springs), are areas designated exclusively for women in Japan. These spaces are discussed in the video as a way to protect women from harassment, particularly on public transportation. The interviewees express appreciation for these spaces, although it raises questions about why such measures are necessary in the first place.

💡Marriage expectations

Marriage expectations in Japan refer to the societal pressure on women to marry by a certain age, often early in life. The video references the 'leftover Christmas cake' analogy, where women over 25 are considered less desirable for marriage. This outdated view highlights the pressures women face regarding marriage and the role they are expected to play in family life.

💡Gender roles

Gender roles refer to the traditional expectations placed on men and women in society. In the video, Japanese gender roles are highlighted, with men expected to work and women expected to stay at home and take care of the household. Despite some changes, such as more women entering the workforce, these traditional roles are still deeply ingrained in Japanese culture.

💡Childcare challenges

Childcare challenges refer to the difficulties women face in Japan when trying to balance work and raising children, particularly due to the lack of available kindergarten slots. This issue is mentioned in the video as a significant barrier for women who want to continue working after having children, leading some to lose their jobs if they can't find proper childcare.

💡Discrimination

Discrimination refers to the unequal treatment of individuals based on gender, race, or other factors. In the context of the video, gender discrimination is a recurring theme, with examples given of unequal pay, job opportunities, and societal expectations for men and women. The interviewees note that while some progress has been made, significant disparities still exist in Japan.

💡Pocket money system

The pocket money system in Japan refers to the practice where the wife manages the family's finances, giving the husband a set amount of money as allowance. The video discusses this as an interesting dynamic in Japanese households, where despite the man's authority in decision-making, the woman controls the household budget. This system reflects the complex gender dynamics within families.

Highlights

Japanese people's awareness of the term 'feminism' varies.

Traditional gender roles are still prevalent in Japan, with men in higher positions in companies and politics.

Japanese women are often expected to stay at home as wives, reflecting traditional gender roles.

Some families are breaking away from tradition, with both parents working and companies offering childcare support.

The concept of 'teishukanpaku', where men dominate the household, is still common in some regions.

Younger generations desire equality in their future families, with some preferring to stay single due to current gender dynamics.

Women face difficulties in balancing work and childcare due to a lack of kindergarten slots in Japan.

Some Japanese people are unfamiliar with the term 'feminism', indicating a potential lack of awareness or education on the subject.

Gender inequality persists in unpaid household labor, with women expected to do most of the work.

Men and women often have different expectations and experiences regarding work and domestic responsibilities.

Discrimination in the workplace is acknowledged, with differences in salary and job opportunities based on gender.

Some traditional gendered expectations are changing, with more women entering jobs previously dominated by men.

Public opinion varies on whether men or women fare better in Japan, with some seeing advantages for women in certain areas.

Women-only train cars are seen as a necessity for safety and comfort by some female commuters.

There is a cultural expectation for men to pay for dates and carry luggage, which some view as unequal.

Some Japanese women take on financial management roles within the family, controlling the household budget.

The video creator calls for respectful discussion in the comments, highlighting the sensitivity of the topic.

Transcripts

Women stay at home as wives.

The man of the house, gets to bathe first.

Little by little maybe...

Well at least it's better than in the old days.

Hey guys!

Today we're gonna go and Ask Japanese again, but

if you're new to our channel, don't forget to subscribe for more videos from Japan.

Today we're actually going to go and ask Japanese people about feminism,

if they know the word, and if they think males and females in Japan are equal or not.

So, let's go and Ask Japanese.

Do you know the word "feminism"?

I think I have heard of it.

I have heard of it.

How is Japan doing in that area?

Oh oh...

What's the current situation there?

In Japan a man stands above a woman.

How does that show?

In companies, bosses are generally all male.

Men are generally represented in higher positions.

When I see company and political leaders, I generally only see men.

How else can you tell Japanese men stand above women?

In the house. Japanese women stay at home as wives.

That traditional image, of the wife waiting for her husband's return,

does still exist in Japan

Rather than woman working.

Has anything changed?

In the school we both go to,

there are many families where the dad and mum are working.

Now there are also some companies that help with child care...

those are the recent changes.

Have you seen any other changes?

Teshukanpaku!

My dad is teishukanpaku.

What is that?

The man is the dominant ruler of the house.

And the wife has to do under him what pleases him. A house like that.

That's what we call Teishukanpaku

And your parents are still like that?

In modern houses it might have changed but in Kyushu and such it's the majority.

And your home is like that too?

Yes, my dad is the leader of the house.

Do you want to marry and have your house be the same way?

Or do you want your house to be different?

I want equality in my family.

But I haven't thought of marrying yet.

I'd rather stay single.

Why so?

I don't like how women get treated...

I prefer animals over humans.

I want to just surround myself with animals and live with them.

I want to work and raise kids at the same time.

Is that difficult?

Right now it's difficult in Japan, as there are no kindergarten slots.

I hope when I become that age, things will have become better.

Have you heard of the word feminism?

Feminim?

What? Never heard of it.

Me neither.

So are men and women equal in Japan?

No we are not.

What areas are different?

Women have to do all the housework...

And men have to work... those ideas ...

still remains from the old days.

That's the picture that many people still have..

Well, things like... the man of the house gets to use the fresh bathtub first.

Things like that.

I hear of that.

I think there is still some discrimination between men and women.

Especially at the workplace.

What area is different?

Depending on your profession, men and women get a different sallary.

Some jobs people still believe only men or women can do.

I think there is still some discrimination in these areas.

What do you think? Are men and women in Japan equal?

Little by little...

At least it's better than in the old days.

But the wage income of men and women is totally different!

I personally want the same wage too.

What work can only be done by men in Japan?

Work that needs strength and generally all driving occupations.

Recently I have seen female train staff though.

But before then I was wondering why there were only men.

Taxi drivers too.

Have you heard of the word feminism?

Feminism?

We definitely are thinking of the wrong thing right now.

I have heard of the word "feminim" before

but not of feminism.

How equal are men and women? Are they not?

On the train I realized that men will make seats for women but not the other way round.

This is not about equality but maybe about prejudices.

Japanese men are much nicer.

Women will expect men to carry their luggage or pay their bills.

Women are bad in Japan.

I take it for granted that men pay my bills. - That's not equal.

Does this mean women are doing better then?

Something around that.

Is there something that is good for women in Japan?

On the trains there are women-only cars.

Women have those, men don't have those.

Do you need those women only carts?

They are necessary, I think.

There are only women on the cart.

There are women-only onsen areas.

And there is a women only train carts.

You mean the women-only carts in the mornings during rush hour?

In those there are less harassers, so I feel safer commuting.

Are you glad you have the women-only carts to protect you?

I am glad they exist. I actually wish we had more than just one per train.

You wish there are more? - Only one in the morning.

Sitting next to a woman is ok, but sometimes I feel uncomfortable next to men.

Any other place women have advantages in?

As a women we might take it for granted but...

When there are areas where men and women are seperated,

then the female only area will look cleaner.

Well those areas are... more... uh... organized...

Some stores are maybe too cute for men to enter?

Most print-club photobooths can't be used by men only because of past harassment issues.

So a group of boys can't use the purikura areas alone.

I don't quite understand that but I feel sorry for them.

There are no men-only places, right? [There are]

There seem to be more stores that cater for women.

We also have the women-only train carts?

Maybe due to that women have it better.

Maybe.

Well thank you.

The other day I was riding the train, and there was a poster right in front of me,

and I posted that on my Twitter, and that poster has pretty much

has a housewife and her husband is looking at his phone instead

of finishing his food, and she was like, *gasp*

made that kind of face and was like, "I'm so sad because I just want to satisfy

my family but no-one is finishing the dishes anymore that I cook for them!"

And I put the picture up on my Twitter and I got really interesting responses from

you guys and girls, about, you know, feminism in Japan.

So it was interesting to actually ask this question.

I find that there is still a very predominant image of the

Japanese housewife. So you see that in loads of commercials,

you see that in loads of things of the obedient Japanese housewife

that cooks and takes care of the kids, and its kind of

getting pushed a lot. I don't really see the Japanese houseman being pushed

really.

Sometimes in some commercials, you see a man maybe cutting

some vegetables together with his wife, but it's generally like

it seems to very much still be pushing the housewife image.

And that's a big thing, like you have the age when you're a girl

and then once you're a woman you're expected to marry quite early,

Japanese people marry quite early.

There used to be the thing of the 'leftover Christmas cake'

which is, when you... 25th of December is when people eat a cake on Christmas

right? So when it's the 26th, no-one wants to eat the Christmas cake

'cause it's after Christmas, right?

Which also used to be a marriage date for women in Japan,

if you are 26, you're kind of too old, you're getting old,

no-one wants to eat the Christmas cake anymore, which is kind

of shocking because it's like, c'mon, they're still quite young!

So they've changed that apparently, it's moved a little bit backwards

but there seems to be the idea about that, for some people around.

When I actually went to Germany, I must say, going back to Germany

I was surprised by how many women I could see on posters for

commercials or on TV who are not... y'know, who are women!

Like they were neither girls, nor married, so...

so you just constantly see really young, attractive girls or you see

married women a lot on Japanese TV.

That's what I've experienced so far to be honest.

And what some women still do, though not as much anymore is quit working

when they marry in order then to support, for example, if the husband

has his own company, then to work in his company to help him with paperwork,

with the taxes and stuff. I've seen that quite a lot. And another thing

that's very sad is there are not many kindergarten places,

so if a woman can't get a kindergarten slot during that year, she might

lose her job as well, because obviously then she has to take care of the kids,

and she can't go back to her job.

So that's another thing.

And in the really traditional ways, it's not

as much any more, but many people, especially in the countryside

seem to be in that the man is like the ruler and the leader

of the house, which means he gets to do the most important decisions,

and he gets to, for example, take the bath first and stuff.

But Japanese women are taking that a little back, because usually

the one who takes care of the finances in the family is supposed to be the wife, so

the wife collects all the money that the husband earns, then distributes it

amongst the kids and herself and the husband, so he gets

his pocket money from the wife, which is interesting.

So yeah, that's a little bit on feminism here in Japan, what

is your opinion on feminism in Japan and Asia, or maybe in your country?

Interesting to find out. Guys, be nice to each other!

I know this is a topic that causes a lot of friction,

so in the comments I don't want any mean comments, guys, let's

discuss this properly like grown up people.

Thank you very much for watching, I'll catch you soon for another video

and don't forget to subscribe and I'll catch you soon. Bye!