Feminism in Japan

Feminism in Japan began in the late 19th century and early 20th centuries. Many observers believe the movement was due to the flood of western thinking that reached Japan after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. However, others argue that the women's rights movement in Japan drew from both imported and native thought. Japanese feminism differs from Western feminism in that it is less focused on individual autonomy.

Prior to the 19th century, Japanese women were traditionally taught to obey a male, either a father, husband, brother, or son. However, after the Meiji Restoration abolished the feudal system, a number of changes were made in the status of women. Trafficking in women was restricted; women were allowed to request divorces; and both boys and girls were required to receive elementary education.

Further changes to the status of women came about in the aftermath of World War II. Women received the vote, and the new constitution of 1946 stipulated equality between the sexes.

In 1979, a Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women was held. The convention was ratified by the government of Japan in 1985.

However, despite these changes, Japan received failing marks as late as 1986 in Humana's World Human Rights Guide regarding the status of women, and is one of the industrialized world's least equal countries.