For my research project, I plan on exploring the topic, “Understanding the role of Japanese traditions and folktales in relation to current Japanese gender disparities” I intend on discussing this topic through establishing the current climate in Japanese politics, feminism, and gender disparities, by studying traditional Japanese folktales/traditions and the role of women within these stories, highlighting how contemporary stories show changes in contemporary feminism, and by drawing a picture of how Japanese feminism manifests itself in Japanese society.
I will tie these two concepts together—the role of women in traditional roles and folktales to the role of women in the current economic/political system—to analyze to what extent historically the role of women has been shaped by traditional Japanese folktales and traditions, which mirror traditional Japanese values and customs, and to what extent these traditionalist practices remain influential today, specifying differences between urban, rural, and suburban Japan. I also hope on evaluating if contemporary Japanese gender disparities has manifested itself in contemporary stories or in the retelling of older folktales. My goal is to provide a holistic review of the role of traditions and folktales in shaping the role of women both traditionally and in modern history, and how this affects Japanese feminism and gender issues.