ABSTRACT
Traditionally, the Japanese family was based on patrilineal descent, patriarchal authority, and patrilocal residence. Great emphasis was placed on the ideal of the biological perpetuation of the patrilineal lineage in order to maintain the unity and continuity of the family. The privilege of masculinity and the custom of primogeniture made the rankings of a son over a daughter and an eldest son over his younger brothers largely unquestioned values. The eldest boy, as heir to the headship, was inculcated early in life with a sense of responsibility to fit him for succession to his father’s estate and position. The first-born son remained in his parental home from birth until death. The duty of the eldest son, rather than the younger sons, was to marry, usually according to his parents’ selection, and produce a male descendant. The bride moved into the family home of her husband at marriage. Younger sons usually moved out or established “branch” houses. Daughters married out. Upon the death or retirement of the father, the family property was preferentially inherited by the oldest son, who became the new household head. The eldest son inherited not only the family headship and family property but also his aging parents, who continued to live with him and to be supported by him. Succession by eldest son was regarded as right and natural.
