“If it is true that men are better than women because they are stronger, why aren’t our sumo wrestlers in the government?” — Kishida Toshiko, educator, writer, activist in the Meiji period
The Great Divide While Japan may have a legacy of business commitment to community well-being, women’s rights activist Kishida Toshiko offers a different perspective on power during the Meiji period. Toshiko was a wealthy female activist and writer who tried to give voice to women’s rights during this important time of growth and transition. Unfortunately, today, Japan is still not meeting the needs of women, even though they represent more than 50 percent of its population. 10 The country ranks lowest in gender equality among the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) nations, and the World Economic Forum Gender Global Gender Gap Report places Japan at 118 out of 146 countries. 11 Data points: n Women earn 25-32 percent less than men. 12 n One in four women experience domestic violence. 13 n Single mothers and single elderly women often live in poverty. 14 n Female entrepreneurs struggle for financing. 15 Some say the plight of women today is rooted in Confucian ideology, fostered by the Meiji period, which clearly separated the public (male) sphere from the domestic (female) sphere. The ideals of ryosai kenbo —the concept of “good wife, wise mother”— have shaped perceived roles and continue to influence cultural expectations today. 16 World War II post-war revision to Japan’s constitution codified many women’s rights— such as the right to vote, to choose a marriage partner, and to access education. The war helped catalyze Japan’s movement to expand women’s rights, but changes were not significant enough to make a lasting impact on today’s society. Crises as a Driver for Impact Innovation Crises—both economic and natural disasters—were often mentioned by interviewees as drivers of Japan’s resilience, innovation, and impact in the face of adversity. Post-War Reconstruction, the Bubble, and the Burst Japan’s more modern economic history has also been shaped by two other significant periods: post-war reconstruction and the economic bubble and burst. After World War II, Japan underwent rapid reconstruction and industrialization at record speed. This period, known as the Japanese Economic Miracle, saw the economy growing at twice the prewar standard by 1955, with continued growth for the next 20 years. 17 By 1968, Japan had
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Ten Years in the Making
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