ABSTRACT
Women’s basic equality was replaced by the Chinese concept of women’s inferiority and heavenly ordained subjugation to men. These changes were slow in penetrating the Japanese social and political systems. Although men have traditionally dominated the political system in Japan, frequently women have held important political positions. Prior to the eighth century, women could succeed to the throne and rule as empresses. The Meiji Restoration and the consequent opening up of Japan to new ideas and schools of thought encouraged women to take a more active role in the political system. The women’s movement was a part of the new intellectual and social movements. Women’s limited participation in politics did not result in great changes in the Japanese political system. The ultranationalist and authoritarian women’s organizations to take a low profile on these politically sensitive issues. Their activities focused on improvement of working conditions and legislation protecting mothers and children.
