The Evolution of Feminism in Japan: Issues of Gender and the Perception of Japanese Women

Abstract

The history and specifics of the feminist movement in Japan have been a topic of interest in the research world for many years. Asian and Western scholars also acknowledge that feminism has a long history in Japan. Although Japan has spent more than 150 years trying to address social issues, the problem of gender inequality remains unresolved. Therefore, this study primarily illustrates the evolution of the feminist movement in Japan, comparing two “waves” of the feminist movement. Furthermore, this paper examines the development of female and male roles as well as gender bias in modern patriarchal society. It provides examples of the most common ideologies, Japanese femininity and masculinity, and the system Fu-you. It also illustrates and explains how traditional roles, Japanese patriarchal ideology, and modern trends coexist in contemporary Japan. Moreover, this study proved that for a significant number of women (65%) in 2021, the so-called "escape route" (i.e., successful marriage) remains a solution to their financial stability. In this study, the following research methods were applied. A thorough historical context analysis (qualitative approach) was required to comprehend the dynamics and specifics of feminism and examine social issues. The principle of historicism (qualitative method) helped to illuminate and compare the impact of the feminist movement and analyze how feminism developed after the Second World War, in the 70-s, in the 90-s, and in contemporary Japan, investigating each period separately or comparing it. Finally, the data analysis and data interpretation research method helped to organize or categorize data.