Gender images in contemporary Japanese society

Abstract

Despite of seemingly unisex fashion and beauty requirements from men and women in contemporary Japan, the change of traditional views about gender roles in family and society progersses slowly. This article aims to examine the perceptions of masculinity and femininity among young Japanese people by covering two aspects of gender image: appearance and cultural /social expectations. The article is based on empirical research, which includes results of 12 in-depth interviews and 80 questionnaires aimed at young Tokyo people (18-25 years old). The research contributes to further academic study of gender image development in Japan, as well as to the deeper understanding about the aspects of contemporary Japanese gender role perception that hinders the progress in achieving egalitarian society.