ABSTRACT

As an overview of Japanese ideals and expectations of femininity and the family, this chapter looks at the patterns of change and development over the last century, particularly since the end of World War II. Focusing on family, sexuality and work, I aim to delineate the historical relationship between women’s organizations (including feminist movements) and the lived experiences of contemporary Japanese women. Furthermore, I emphasize the diversity of Japanese feminism and feminist approaches, and the broad scope of feminist movement in organizations that have operated and continue to operate in Japan.