The Evolution of Women in Japan: reclaiming their rights ⛩️🥀

Hello deer, this is Seri 🌸

I’m a passionate student of social sciences, deeply curious about human behavior, societal structures, and how we navigate the complexities of life. My interest in social sciences reflects my desire to understand the diverse ways people experience and interpret the world, while honoring the idea that each person's perspective is valid in its own way.

I particularly like women in history and today let's talk about my country : Japan 🇯🇵

Japan's history of women's rights is as complex and multifaceted as its culture.

From the early periods of Japan's history, when women had some legal rights and social status, to the struggles they faced during the Meiji and Edo periods, women's roles have constantly evolved.

In this post, I'll explore the history of women's rights in Japan, highlighting both the periods of progress and the challenges they faced.

🗾Women's rights in Ancient Japan.

Women had better rights in ancient and Heian times than they did later, especially during Edo and Meiji. There was a kind of "fall" from spiritual and cultural power into legal and social repression.

Before Nara – Ancient Japan (pre-6th century to 710).

In ancient, pre-Buddhist Japan, society was matrilineal in some regions. That means lineage passed through the mother. Women could inherit property, lead clans, and there were even female shamans and rulers, like the famous Queen Himiko.

→ This was probably the most spiritually empowered time for women.

Nara Period (710–794)

During the Nara period, Japan adopted Chinese-style government, Buddhism, and especially Confucianism, which emphasized male dominance and social order.

Women could still own land and inherit, but their public and political power started to shrink.

→ It was a transitional time — rights still existed, but the roots of patriarchy were growing.

Heian Period (794–1185)

Elite women had a cultural golden age.

They could own property, receive education, write literature, and choose lovers.

Women like Murasaki Shikibu and Sei Shōnagon created art that still inspires.

→ But women had less political power, and Confucian influence quietly narrowed their legal rights.

Kamakura to Edo Periods (1185–1868)

Here’s where it becomes harder.

Under the samurai code and deeper Confucian values, women became legally and socially secondary.

Arranged marriages, obedience to men, and fewer inheritance rights became the norm.

→ In Edo, women were often seen as caretakers, not citizens.

Meiji Period (1868–1912)

Modernization did not bring liberation.

The state emphasized the "Good Wife, Wise Mother" ideal.

Women had no legal personhood, no vote, no education unless domestic, and their lives were bound to their husbands.

→ This is when women began to organize for rights again.

Common women did have certain rights too in early periods like the Nara (710–794) and early Heian (794–1185) eras, though their situation was complex and often dependent on class, region, and family structure.

Inheritance & property:

In both the Nara and early Heian periods, women — even commoners — could inherit property, manage land, and maintain ownership of personal goods. In matrilineal households, especially in rural areas, women had important economic roles.

Marriage:

Marriage was often informal. Women could remain in their own homes after marriage, and men visited (a practice called tsumadoi-kon). This gave women some autonomy, especially if the marriage ended.

Legal standing:

The early ritsuryō legal system (inspired by China) allowed some legal rights to women, including in cases of divorce and dispute. However, this mostly applied to free women — not enslaved or extremely poor individuals.

Religion & roles:

Some common women became Buddhist nuns or miko (shrine maidens), giving them spiritual roles and respected positions in their communities.

🗾The role of Shinto in women's rights.

Shinto has egalitarian aspects and that’s one of its most unique qualities compared to many other traditional religions.

The divine includes both female and male kami:

One of the most important deities in Shinto is Amaterasu, the sun goddess, who holds the highest spiritual position. Unlike many patriarchal mythologies, Shinto gives sacred authority to a female figure, and many other kami are female or gender-fluid.

No concept of original sin or spiritual hierarchy:

Shinto doesn’t have a strict doctrine that places men above women in terms of purity or spiritual worth. All beings are seen as part of nature, and purity and balance matter more than gender.

Ritual roles for women:

Historically, women served important roles as miko (shrine maidens) and spiritual mediums.

In ancient times, miko could be powerful figures, performing rituals, dances, and even prophecy. Some scholars believe early miko were closer to priestesses before the role became more ceremonial.

Harmony over dominance:

Shinto focuses on harmony with nature, family, and community (wa), rather than control or domination. This has lent it a softer, more fluid spiritual structure that allowed women to hold meaningful roles especially in older traditions.

That said, over time, especially with the influence of Confucianism and Buddhism, these egalitarian roots were overshadowed by patriarchal values in society. So while Shinto itself remained spiritually egalitarian, its practice was shaped by the norms of the time.

🗾How Shinto benefited women.

Shinto benefited women the most during Japan's early history, particularly before Confucianism and patriarchal systems took strong hold so mainly in the Jōmon, Yayoi, and early Kofun periods, up to the early Heian period.

Spiritual Roles

- ⛩️ Women could be miko (shrine maidens) who acted as mediums between the kami (gods) and people. Originally, these roles were powerful and respected, involving trance, prophecy, and rituals.

- ⛩️ Some early female shamans (like Queen Himiko of Yamatai, 3rd century) were also political leaders, merging spiritual and social power.

Feminine Kami

- ⛩️ Important kami like Amaterasu (sun goddess) were female and central to Shinto mythology, suggesting a spiritual reverence for feminine forces.

- ⛩️ Nature and fertility, often linked to women, were seen as sacred, not inferior.

Natural Balance

- ⛩️ In early Shinto belief, there was no strict hierarchy between male and female, balance and harmony mattered more than dominance.

But over time:

- Confucianism (from around the 6th century) introduced ideas of male superiority, obedience, and household control, especially during the Edo period.

- Buddhism, in its more patriarchal forms, also taught that women needed to be reborn as men to reach enlightenment.

- These systems overrode the egalitarian values of Shinto and led to a decline in women’s spiritual and social status.

So, Shinto once offered a freer, more respectful space for women, especially in ancient times. It became less empowering as other ideologies merged into Japanese society.

🗾The best era for women.

The best period for women in Japan in terms of relative freedom, rights, and cultural influence was likely the Heian period (794–1185), especially for aristocratic women. And women began to regain their rights in modern history, especially after World War II.

Best Period: Heian Period (794–1185)

Heian may not have been legally superior to earlier periods like Asuka, it is remembered as a time when feminine voices, aesthetics, and influence truly flourished, especially in the arts. It's a kind of cultural golden age for women's expression.

During the Asuka period (538–710), women could indeed hold political and religious power. There were several reigning empresses (like Empress Suiko) and women could inherit land and titles. In terms of legal rights and status, it was a relatively progressive time, heavily influenced by indigenous traditions and early Buddhism before Confucianism became dominant.

However, in the Heian period, although women lost some formal political rights, they gained tremendous influence in the cultural and literary spheres, especially at court.

It became a unique time when feminine intellect, emotion, and artistry were deeply appreciated and preserved through writing.

- 🍡Aristocratic women had property rights and could inherit and manage land.

- 🍡They were literate and cultured, writing diaries, poetry, and fiction (like The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu).

- 🍡They had strong influence in courtly culture, fashion, and aesthetics.

- 🍡Marriage customs were more flexible: women often remained in their own homes, and men visited them (a matrilocal system).

- 🍡Though they didn't have formal political power, they had influence through literature, family ties, and court life.

This was a rare golden era before strict patriarchy took over.

Regaining Rights: Post-WWII (1945–present)

- After Japan's defeat in WWII, the 1947 Constitution (influenced by Western liberal ideals) granted:

-🍡 Legal equality between men and women

-🍡 Suffrag (the right to vote)

- 🍡Equal rights in marriage, property, and education

-🍡 Feminist movements in the 1970s–80s pushed further for gender equality, workplace rights, and protection against discrimination.

- 🍡Today, progress continues, though social expectations and structural inequality still exist.

🗾 Women in today's Japan :

Women continue to be underrepresented in leadership roles, and traditional gender roles still hold significant sway in the domestic sphere. Issues like the gender pay gap, workplace harassment, and lack of affordable childcare are ongoing struggles for Japanese women today.

However, social movements have gained momentum in recent years, with younger generations of women speaking out against inequality, advocating for women's health, and pushing for more inclusive policies in the workplace and government.

The journey of women's rights in Japan has been long and complicated, marked by both progress and setbacks. While women in Japan have gained many rights since the end of WWII, the path to gender equality is still being paved today.

As Japanese society continues to evolve, it will be crucial for the voices of women to continue to shape the future of the nation.

In Japan, the discussion around women's rights can often seem more about "reclaiming" or "reigning" rights rather than "gaining" them, primarily because much of the historical context surrounding women's rights in Japan, women had more freedom and rights, only to have those rights restricted or taken away in later periods. This is why the language of "reclaiming" feels appropriate.

🗾 Why are women's rights important.

It's important that women have rights for several reasons, both ethical and practical, that affect society as a whole.

🎀Equality and Human Rights.

At its core, granting women rights is a matter of basic human equality. All human beings, regardless of gender, should have the same opportunities, freedoms, and protection under the law. Denying women rights is a form of discrimination that violates the fundamental principle that all people should be treated with respect and fairness.

🎀Social Justice

Without equal rights, women are systematically excluded from opportunities that can improve their lives and communities. Women's rights empower individuals to make their own choices about their careers, families, health, and education, promoting social justice for all people. When one group is oppressed or marginalized, it prevents society as a whole from reaching its full potential.

🎀Economic Growth

Empowering women contributes to economic development. When women have access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities, they can participate fully in the economy, leading to improved productivity, increased innovation, and a more prosperous society. Studies show that gender equality is directly linked to higher national income and stronger economies.

🎀Health and Well-being

Women’s rights to access healthcare, education, and social services significantly improve their health and well-being. For example, access to reproductive rights and maternal healthcare can save lives and ensure that women and their families are healthier. Empowered women also tend to make better decisions about their families' health, which has lasting benefits for future generations.

🎀Reduction of Violence and Discrimination

When women have rights and legal protections, they are better equipped to protect themselves from violence, abuse, and exploitation. Gender-based violence is one of the most pressing issues that women face, and ensuring women’s rights can help prevent this violence and support victims in seeking justice.

🎀Promoting Political Representation and Decision-making

Women’s participation in politics and leadership positions brings diverse perspectives to decision-making processes. Societies benefit from inclusive representation, as it leads to policies that address a broader range of issues and concerns. When women are involved in politics and leadership, they can advocate for policies that improve their lives and those of others.

👉 Women may approach leadership with more collaboration, empathy, or long-term thinking. This balances more aggressive or hierarchical leadership styles often dominant in male-led systems.

👉 Women make up half of humanity. When they co-lead, policies are more likely to address issues that affect everyone, not just those seen through a male lens.

👉 Diversity = Strength: Research shows that diverse teams and governments make better decisions, avoid groupthink, and are more innovative.

👉 Studies have shown women often have stronger verbal memory, which includes remembering conversations, stories, or emotionally significant events.

👉 Some research suggests women may be better at switching between tasks or managing complex emotional and social dynamics.

In many ways, women's brains bring unique strengths to leadership, not just emotionally, but cognitively too. These aren't "better" or "worse" than male traits, just different and deeply needed for a fuller, wiser kind of leadership.

These strengths can deeply enhance co-leadership by creating a balanced, thoughtful, and more human-centered approach to power and decision-making.

👉 This helps leaders remember past agreements, social dynamics, and how decisions affected people, bringing continuity and emotional wisdom to leadership.

👉 Co-leaders often juggle many responsibilities. Women who excel at organizing and switching focus can manage multiple layers of a project while keeping the human side in view.

👉 Women may naturally think in terms of sustainability and interdependence. This makes decisions less impulsive and more anchored in collective well-being, an important balance to short-term or ego-driven strategies.

In essence, these strengths don’t replace logic or authority, they complement them, offering a more complete and emotionally intelligent way to lead. Co-leadership between different minds, energies, and sensibilities is like weaving two threads into something stronger.

🗾 Empresses in Japan.

Several Empresses in Japanese history were known as capable and respected leaders, especially during the early periods when women could still ascend to the throne. Their reigns often symbolized stability, religious legitimacy, and balance in the imperial line.

In early Japan, especially during the Asuka and Nara periods, female rule was not considered unnatural. Empresses like Suiko and Jitō were seen as legitimate sovereigns, not temporary stand-ins. In fact, the concept of a female ruler wasn't controversial until later periods when Confucian values from China began emphasizing male dominance.

While some empresses did rise to power in times of political transition or when a male heir was too young, many were not simply "replacements", they were chosen for their lineage, wisdom, and capability.

Empress Suiko (r. 593–628): The first recorded empress regnant of Japan. She reigned during a time of major political and cultural change, including the introduction of Buddhism and Chinese-inspired reforms. Her reign is often considered wise and diplomatic.

Empress Kōgyoku / Saimei (she ruled twice): She stepped in during turbulent times, showing resilience and adaptability.

Empress Jitō (r. 686–697): She ruled after the death of her husband, Emperor Tenmu, and worked to stabilize the imperial succession. She was deeply involved in court politics and religious matters.

Empresses in early Japan often had male advisors or regents especially from powerful clans like the Soga or Fujiwara but they were not mere figureheads. They could and did make important decisions, especially on matters of religion, court appointments, and diplomacy.

For example:

Empress Suiko worked closely with Prince Shōtoku, her nephew and regent, but she had the final say and her reign was officially recognized. She issued decrees under her name and handled foreign affairs.

Empress Jitō ruled as a sovereign in her own right and managed succession and land reforms. While she consulted court nobles, she had significant autonomy.

🎀 Conclusion:

Women's rights are not just a feminist issue; they are a matter of human rights, social justice, and collective progress.

Ensuring women have rights benefits not only women but society as a whole, creating a more equitable, prosperous, and harmonious world for everyone.

Supporting women's rights doesn't necessarily require identifying as a feminist, though feminism is one movement that advocates for gender equality. Believing in and advocating for women's rights is simply a matter of recognizing and upholding basic human rights and equality, regardless of one's personal labels or ideologies.

At its core, supporting women's rights is about ensuring fairness, justice, and equal opportunity for everyone.

People of all backgrounds, genders, and political beliefs can agree that all individuals deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and that includes women.

So, being for women's rights is ultimately about advocating for a more equitable and inclusive society, one where everyone, regardless of gender, has the freedom and opportunity to thrive.