Day in the Life of a Japanese Housewife in Tokyo

Summary

This video offers an intimate glimpse into the life of Tomomi, a 38-year-old housewife living in Tokyo. We follow her day as she juggles household chores, caring for her daughter Karin, and managing personal projects, all while upholding traditional Japanese customs. From preparing breakfast with miso soup to navigating the challenges of parenting and balancing her own time, Tomomi’s routine showcases the dedication and complexities of modern family life in Japan. The video also highlights cultural aspects, like the importance of family meals, the role of technology in children's learning, and how housewives contribute to family life while balancing personal ambitions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tomomi is a 38-year-old Japanese housewife living in Tokyo with her husband and daughter, Karin, who is almost 3 years old.
• 😀 It is common for children in Japan, especially before elementary school, to sleep in the same bed as their parents.
• 😀 Traditional Japanese breakfasts, such as miso soup, natto (fermented soybeans), and rice, are staples in Tomomi's family routine.
• 😀 The custom of saying 'itadakimasu' before every meal is ingrained in children from a young age, reflecting gratitude for food.
• 😀 YouTube is a major part of Karin's daily life, where she watches shows and even learns English songs like 'Baby Shark' from the platform.
• 😀 Karin is learning to use chopsticks at the age of 2, with practice chopsticks that help children hold them correctly.
• 😀 Tomomi’s blog, ‘GOKIGEN LIFE’, teaches self-coaching and mindfulness to live a positive life, which sometimes involves seminars.
• 😀 In Japan, the norm is for housewives like Tomomi to take on almost all child-rearing and house chores, with very little help from husbands (18.3% of chores are done by men).
• 😀 While spending time at the park, Tomomi emphasizes the importance of outdoor play for her child’s development.
• 😀 Cooking at home is a family affair, with Tomomi involving Karin in tasks like making cake and preparing dinner, helping her learn to cook.
• 😀 Tomomi balances motherhood, housework, and her own career pursuits, including managing her blog and Instagram, while prioritizing her daughter’s needs.

Q & A

What is the common practice in Japan regarding children sleeping with their parents?

In Japan, it is common for children, especially before elementary school age, to sleep with their parents in the same bed. This is part of the family tradition and cultural norms.

How does Tomomi typically start her day?

Tomomi begins her day by waking up with her daughter, Karin. She then prepares a traditional Japanese breakfast, which often includes miso soup, rice, and natto, a fermented soybean dish.

What is 'kamidana' and why is it important in Tomomi's home?

'Kamidana' is a mini shrine found in Tomomi's home. It is a traditional Japanese feature where daily prayers and offerings are made, a custom followed by Tomomi's husband as part of their spiritual practice.

Why do children in Japan, like Karin, start using chopsticks at a young age?

In Japan, children typically start using chopsticks at a young age, often around two years old. To help them learn, special practice chopsticks are used to hold the sticks in place.

What is the significance of the phrase 'itadakimasu' in Japanese meals?

'Itadakimasu' is a traditional Japanese phrase said before meals, which loosely translates to 'thank you for the meal'. It's a way of expressing gratitude for the food and the effort put into its preparation.

How do Japanese children like Karin learn English words?

Karin and many other Japanese children learn English words through exposure to content like YouTube videos. For example, Karin learned the song 'Baby Shark' in English from watching the original version on YouTube.

What is 'youchien' and when does Karin start attending?

'Youchien' is a Japanese term for kindergarten, which children typically start attending around the age of 3. Karin will begin kindergarten in a few months.

How does Tomomi manage her time to balance work and motherhood?

Tomomi manages her time by prioritizing her daughter's needs while also finding moments for her own personal and professional activities, such as working on her blog, Gokigen Life, and attending to house chores.

What is the cultural context of 'wanope ikuji' in Japan?

'Wanope ikuji' refers to the practice of raising children and handling household chores by oneself, which is a common situation for many Japanese housewives like Tomomi. This concept reflects the high percentage of household and childcare responsibilities shouldered by women in Japan.

Why is it rare for Japanese homes to have built-in ovens?

In Japan, kitchens tend to be smaller due to limited living space, making it rare to have built-in ovens. Instead, many homes use specialized cooking equipment, like the special pan Tomomi uses to bake a cake, which can also be used for other cooking tasks like making pizza and bread.