Depopulation In Rural Japan Hastened By Gender Inequality
As birth rates decline globally, the effects are particularly noticeable in rural areas, where traditions often conflict with modern values. A notable case is Akita, a prefecture in northern Japan, where deeply-rooted customs are exacerbating the depopulation problem.
Preserving Tradition at a Cost
In Akita, a centuries-old tradition known as kanto is still widely practiced. Young men dressed in traditional festival attire balance tall bamboo poles adorned with dozens of candlelit paper lanterns on their heads, hands, hips, and shoulders. This part ritual, part festival, and part competition is a testament to their strength, skill, and cultural heritage.
However, this tradition strictly prohibits women from touching the poles, due to beliefs rooted in Japan's Shinto religion. Women, on the other hand, are relegated to playing flutes and drums. This gender division is accepted by some women as part of their culture, while others choose not to voice their criticisms.
The Impact of Gender Inequality on Depopulation
The gender divide evident in practices like kanto extends beyond cultural traditions, intensifying Akita's depopulation issue. The prefecture already grapples with the most aged population, the lowest birth rate, and the fastest declining population among Japan's 47 prefectures. It's not just an Akita problem, but a nationwide issue that calls for immediate attention.
Recent research reveals that 27% of young women want to leave their rural hometowns, compared to 15% of young men. The majority of these women are motivated to move to cities for better job opportunities, which are often limited in rural areas due to expectations that women should prioritize household chores and childcare.
Even with the recent appointment of Japan's first female prime minister, the country still ranks low in terms of women's political empowerment, coming in at 125th out of 148 countries. This suggests that despite some progress, gender inequality persists.
Women Taking Action
While many women are leaving rural areas, some choose to stay and make a difference. One such woman is Ren Yamamoto, a resident of Nirasaki, a city in Yamanashi Prefecture. She interviewed 100 rural women and featured their stories on her YouTube channel, giving these women a platform to voice their concerns and aspirations.
Yamamoto's work caught the attention of the then-Prime Minister, who invited her for a discussion. She argued that current policies fail to address the reasons why women leave rural areas, and instead focus primarily on marriage and childcare.
Government Initiatives and Public Reaction
The government acknowledges the connection between gender inequality and the falling birthrate. To address these issues, local authorities have initiated various policies, such as matchmaking services to boost marriages and births. However, these efforts have been met with criticism from women who feel that they are being reduced to baby-making machines.
Women’s empowerment initiatives are also being implemented, like seminars on assertiveness, teaching women how to negotiate with their husbands for more help with household chores and childcare. Despite these efforts, progress remains slow.
Looking Ahead
Despite the ongoing efforts, some women remain pessimistic about the situation improving anytime soon. They believe that the problem of gender inequality will persist unless the mindset of the older generations changes. Until then, many are choosing to leave their hometowns and start anew elsewhere.
While the issue of gender inequality and depopulation remains a pressing concern, it is encouraging to see women like Ren Yamamoto taking the lead in addressing this issue. It is a reminder that change can start at the grassroots level and that every voice matters.