The Growth of Motorization in Rural Women

Through the Magazine “Ie no Hikari”

Abstract

　This article addresses the growth of motorization in rural women in Japan through the reports in the magazine “Ie no Hikari.” The motorization progressed with the mechanization in rice farming from the period of high economic growth. The motorization started with the introduction of “tiller,” a tractor for transportation in farming in mid-1950ʼs. It progressed with the introduction of a light truck in mid-1970ʼs and was accelerated by JAʼs sales promotion campaign. The rural women utilized the tiller as a means of transportation in daily life and made use of the track not only as a farming tool but also as their second car, even as a device to secure their private space. As a result, the motorization facilitated their urbanization. The process means that “hitonami,” the standard of living has been formed through the interaction between a person and goods.