Japan: The Childless Society?

Chap 3. Fathers

Jolivet, Muriel. 1997.

Do Japanese Fathers love their children

• Distinct lack of contact between Father's and Children -- 37.4% no contact during week

– Aside -- personal reflection on the relationships between family members I've seen

• "...Japanese men have the extraodinary ability of living as though nobody else was there."

The Family Service (kazoku saibus)

1. What is the German situation?2. What is pettoka?3.Guilty Conscience

Fathers were not always this way

1. Before the Meiji what were things like and why?

2. Bushi or Bushido -- The samuri, the way of the samuri (highly disciplined and directed lives)

In the Meiji era what becomes the defined role of the mother and father and why?

Who is defining these new roles? and why? 3. What is meant by Doi Takeo's statement

"...Japan has become a Fatherless society".

Do You love your father

1. How do the children feel about their fathers? Do you sense any Confucian teaching here?

Aside -- discuss TV as a form of "self-medication" in Japan

Japan USA Germany Yes % Does your father love you? 68.7 Does your father understand you? 60.1 90.5 90.4Can you count on your father, whatever happens? 62.7 87.3 80.0

Fathers: Absentee or Ostracized?

1. Who's fault is the marginalization of Fathers? Is it men? Is it women? Is it something else?to answer this consider the question of men attending

PTA meetings.

2. Can you describe the kitaku kofu allergy? (allergy to going home)

How does it start How does it affect the home How might it affect a man's work

The scourage of transfers

1. All too common in Japan • What are the impacts on the family? • What about the man? • Who benefits from this system?

The placid and silent husband

Aside: Was the Buddha right after all? -- Life is pain and grasping. Nirvana is to escape the wheel of life.

Picture of a Japanese Family

Holiday Greeting Photo

Also review the “Japan’s Catastrophe” by Journeyman’s Pictures Minute 1:00 to 3:00 and 15:30 to 17:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RFTezZSKTc

Virtual Girl Friends

Go to 15 minute point

https://vimeo.com/80542212