Benefits of A Women in Japan

States of Women's Right.Let’s look at 10 Japanese laws already in place that are benefiting women in Japan.

Welcome to my blog post. With a surge of women entering Japanese parliament, the game could very well change when it comes to who the law benefits in Japan. Historically, laws have favored men—they were the first to vote, they once had full control over their spouses, and continue to make more money than the opposite sex today

1. The right to divorce in 1896 We know that marriage contracts—though legally binding until at least one of the participating parties perishes—were made to be broken.

Yet, the epidemic of divorce is a relatively new phenomenon, especially for women.

Article 728 of Japan’s Civil Code (also known as Act No. 89 of 1896) granted women the right to separate from their spouses. Matrimony has existed in some form in Japan for centuries, yet only about 100 years ago did half the equation have the power to end it. Imagine having no way out of an abusive or dead-end marriage!

2. The right to vote in 1947

The end of World War II and subsequent US occupation introduced numerous changes in Japanese society and politics, including a brand new constitution.

Put into effect in 1947, one of the most groundbreaking new additions gave women the long-awaited and fought-for right to vote. The following year saw a surge in women-occupied political positions, a trend that has continued—albeit slowly.

Convincing people of all genders to vote remains a struggle and women still make up less than a third of Parliament. Yet, strides continue to be made. In 2018, a non-binding act, called the Act on Promotion of Gender Equality in the Political Field, was passed requiring political parties to encourage an equal number of men and women to run for office.

3. The Maternal and Child Health Act of 1966

Motherhood is a burden only women can bear. Though rewarding, it comes with many hurdles and dangers, the most deadly being childbirth itself—at least historically.

The implementation of new health and education measures, as well as strengthening initiatives like universal health care (which launched in 1961), significantly decreased both maternal and infant mortality rates. Japan now boasts less mother and early childhood deaths than almost anywhere in the world.

4. The Equal Employment Opportunity Law of 1986

Yet, women encountered discrimination in the workplace. Archaic ideas of gender roles persisted; not only was it difficult for women to get a job in the first place, but those who were lucky enough to get one faced many challenges in keeping it. Many companies strongly encouraged (if not required) women to retire once they got married. Plus, harassment was rampant.

5. The Parental and Childcare Leave Law of 1992

This law prohibits business owners from firing or demoting employees who have applied for childcare leave (horrifying to think that was once a thing).

In part prompted by Japan's failing population crisis. the law was created in hopes of easing anxiety surrounding the journey that is parenting—such as affording childcare and employment security—and concerning work-life balance.

6. The Maternal Body Protection Law of 1996

Abortion in Japan is a messy and confusing subject, largely because it’s simultaneously legal and illegal.

In 1869, abortion was banned nationwide. In 1907, punishments for abortion became more severe according to the nation’s new penal code. This “Criminal Abortion Law” is still technically in effect today.

7. The introduction of anti-stalking laws in 2000

Stalking prevention laws were passed in 2000… but only after media attention from the murder of a university student who had been a stalking victim.

21-year-old Shiroi Ino was tragically stabbed to death in 1999. Her assailant was hired by a man she briefly dated who stalked and harassed not just her, but her family and friends as well for months. The police failed to take action even after numerous reports, leading to her untimely death.

8. The Domestic Violence Protection Law of 2002

In 2002, Japan passed a long-overdue law against domestic violence.

This was the first time physical spousal violence was considered a crime—before, such incidents were considered private matters outsiders shouldn’t meddle with. It was also a given that men could treat their spouses in whatever way they wished.

One victim of abuse reportedly told the Japan Times, “Once, a policeman went so far as to tell me that they cannot do anything until I die.”

The law was revised in 2004, extending the definition of violence to include psychological abuse.

9. Creation of child pornography laws in 2015

Here’s the worst thing you’ll read today—laws against child pornography in Japan weren’t in place until 2015.

According to a 2013 U.S. Department of State report on human rights, Japan was considered an “international hub for the production and trafficking of child pornography.”

Japan has a fascination with young women, as is clear from ubiquitous depictions of uniform-clad girls everywhere from manga to advertisements. It’s no accident that groping victims are disproportionately school-aged. Having this act in place means young girls (and boys) are protected from such exploitation and abuse.

10. Update to sex crime laws in 2017

In 2017, the country’s archaic sex crime law within the Penal Code was revised for the first time in over 100 years. The purpose was to expand the acts that constituted rape.

Moving Forward

Not every law on this list is always enforced in everyday society and some could certainly be improved. Other problems persist—many people in Japan don’t take advantage of the law due to social pressure or because they simply aren’t aware of their rights. Yet, laws are in place to protect them (and the ones not doing a good enough job can always be amended).

Current feminist trends are promising, too. As struggles for equal rights continue to gain visibility worldwide, more and more women will be encouraged to speak up and lend their voices to the cause. With women increasingly doing so at the government level, it’s likely that even more laws and amendments catering to their needs will be put into place, contributing to a society where both men and women can thrive.