Western Influence Of Japanese Women Essay

Japan’s history is categorized by historical time periods dating back to 12,000BC to modern day. The names of the time period reflect societal achievements, the name of the leader, or where the capital was located at that time. In the time periods before the Meiji period, there are multiple examples of men and women being viewed as equals. Women were both equal politically and socially in the Yayoi period, women were poets and writers in the Heian period, and throughout history there have been 8 female empresses. Moving forward, there is a transition of western influence coming into Japan that creates different opportunities for Japanese women. Before, during the Meiji period, very few women or women relating accomplishments appeared. At first, Japan wanted to be secluded and to stay away from outsiders however the leader at the time slowly began to open the ports to Western influence and eventually moved away from seclusion. This time

70% of Japanese women who have their first child do not go back to work. There are many reasons behind these statics but an important reason is because childcare services are not as abundant as they are in America. The Prime Minister has public supported in favor of achieving more services but as of now there has been no progress. There isn’t any social movement in Japan as to why more women are not in the work force. The work force is dominated by men. The western perception is that Japan needs more women in the work force but what if that is not the route Japanese women want to take? Their movement has not ventured down that path yet. A western point of view should not label Japan’s work place as unequal if they do not do something about it first. Over the years, the west has had a great influence on Japanese women and their movement but they are not one in the