A Study on the Essence of Traditional Culture in Japan
Through the Transition of Gender Politics after the Appearancse of Okuni-Kabuki
2006 Volume 2006 Issue 9 Pages 13-28
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2006 Volume 2006 Issue 9 Pages 13-28
All over the world, genderation is supposed one of the most important issues to realize the well being of every person. Unless we pursue gender equality, even the problems caused by low birth ratio would not be solved. Since 1960's, the tide of women's liberation turned against sexual discrimination. The discrimination is due to the idea that men are superior to women.
However, as we examine Japanese history, we find activewomen in various fields especially during the Heian Period in capital city of Kyoto. For example, a popular romance novel about aristocracy was authored by Lady Murasaki. Her novel, TheTale of Genji was highly estimated by both of men and women. In the peaceful society of the Heian Period, most of the noble men felt sympathy with femininity, and so admired the excellent female writer.
In 1603, Okuni of Izumo, a popular actress, created new form of plays known as Kabuki. She played the role of a young man while her male partner played the female role. In Kyoto, people were flexible about genderoles, so they spoke highly of Okuni's performance. The youngsters of Kyoto themselves enjoyed street dance called Furyu-Odori in groupes wornin beautiful clothes like women.
In 1629, the Tokugawa Shogunate government, victor of the civil war, prohibited women from performing arts on stages. Since the Edo Era, warriordominant government reigned all over Japan by the strong class system, and the prejudice against women were fixed under the influence Confusianism. After the long absence from the stages, Japanese actresses could find the places for them in 20th C., after the Meiji Restoration, while the world of Kabuki was maintained only by men.
So, we have to recognize what is the true tradition of culture in Japan. We have to remember that woman's creativity was highly estimated in the peacefulsociety, and it was suppressed in the warrior dominant society. From this historical fact, it is clear that eqal opportunity in decision-making for both sexes is necessary in the peaceful society.
