While observing Japanese social culture, either by watching TV or talking to people, I’ve noticed striking similarities between Japan in 2007 and America in the 1950’s. Granted I wasn’t around back in the 50’s, but the image of a housewife working away all day while the husband is working in the office is one that I permanently associate with the 50’s.
For all the modern glitz and neon of downtown Tokyo or Osaka, the modern electronics and gadgets that are everywhere, I tend to get a sense of Japan as a reflection of America’s past. It is a slow paced and conservative society. The wife is staying home to raise the family and provide support for the husband. The husband works long hours so that the family will have financial stability into the future.
These days things are changing. Women are ever so slightly edging towards equality with men, men are showing more awareness of the problem, and some people are starting to realize that going to work is not the only way to help your family thrive. Unfortunately, just like all change in Japan it happens at a glacial pace. Part of the reason is that the culture is largely non-confrontational, so change happens like erosion eating away at a mountainside. Another factor is the huge amount of old people in this country. The top heavy population will start to shrink rapidly in the next 10-20 years, but until that happens there are far too many old men in charge maintain their power structure and status quo.
I’m excited about being around in Japan during this shift. Young people today are used to a different lifestyle and their ideas on music, art and design are exciting and unusual. There are more gay and lesbians on television (although they still mostly only attain “freak” status) and the idea that there are other lifestyles and viewpoints out there is a positive sign.
I know to a certain degree I am prescribing culture here, but it is far more enjoyable to follow a race when you’ve got a horse running in it, and I’d like Japan to be a good place to raise kids, boys and girls.
