Abstract
The purpose of this study is to partially explore childrearing values in modern Japan by examining changes in two familiar child-care customs, babywearing on the back (onbu) and babywearing on the front (dakko), as well as changes in child-care accessories such as baby baskets, baby slings, and strollers. Onbu is a child-care custom that emerged among commoners in the Heian period out of the necessity of caring for infants while performing domestic chores. In the just almost 150 years since the start of the Meiji period, the Japanese style of childrearing evolved from “labor-oriented onbu” into “child-focused dakko.” Changes were also seen in the items used as child-care accessories. From the Meiji period to the early Showa period, child-care accessories for most Japanese were everyday items repurposed to serve childrearing needs. Following the end of World War II, however, information and culture from the West began to permeate popular society, and as these influences became widespread in the 1960s, child-care accessories transformed from items made at home to items purchased (commercial products). Such abundant items can make life between parents and children convenient. On the other hand, these have not been created out of necessity for parents to raise their own children. Now, the reverse phenomenon occurs that they must be taught even how to use such plentiful commodities provided by others. This has brought a childrearing form dependent on commodities, and it has become difficult to care for children without making use of commercialized products. The issues in this study should be considered seriously, especially in the deteriorated environment for childrearing today.
