Changing Images of Women in Japanese History

The images of women in Japanese history have changed throughout the centuries, at time reflecting the power and beauty of the feminine and respecting its wisdom, while at other times fearing the feminine and denying this power. This paper examines these images through time and considers the search for Mother as a powerful unifying force in Japanese thought. These images of mother in Japan change over time but also involve a number of common elements which are carried from one age to the next. These issues are expressed in fiction, in family structure, in religious thought, and from the fact that the image of spiritual strength in Japanese mothers derives not only from the history of their position as one valued as a mother but from the fact that women were deities in Japanese history, representing in a real way the origin and force of life.

According to Shinto mythology, in days of old women were both political and religious leaders who governed with supernatural powers. These goddesses ruled with shamanistic skill and remained in power until they were challenged by the rise of the warrior culture of men (Yusa 93).

Japan is the country of the rising sun. This sun was personified by the goddess Amaterasu, the supreme deity of the Shinto. The Grand Shrine of Ise, the shrine to the sun, honors her and shows her high position in the Shinto way of life (Yusa 93).

The Shinto religion is more a way of life, a part of culture, than

to the idea of the sanctity of motherly love. Motherly love became the key word to all elements of good child rearing and education. New magazines were published on child care, all stressing the importance of the mother and her guidance in rearing children who would succeed and be good citizens. The mothers of military leaders and politicians were revered as excellent examples to be emulated: People in Japan stress the image of mother who is devoted to her children, always shows them affection, and is willing to sacrifice her own plans and desires on their behalf (Ohinata 201). Mother is the reason for a criminal's tears, the force that creates successful businessmen, the inspiration for a good life. Fatherly love is not held as sacred. This stereotype prevails, blinding many to reality and making it hard for many to comprehend those who deviate from the ideal (Ohinata 205). The "Meiji Mama" is a powerful nostalgic image in Japan. Jolivet cites the case of Oshin, the name of a heroine on a television drama shown twice a day for a year; the program broke all viewing records. Oshin is not only the ideal of a good wife and wise mother but is courageous, hard-working, and persevering. Every conceivable tragedy befalls her,