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In the Land of the Rising Sun, the law requires married couples to share the same last name. A tradition that pushes more and more Japanese women to step up to the plate.
Under the weight of this custom, some women now refuse to give up their identity by taking their husband’s name. This protest is growing throughout Japan.
Tradition or oppression? The debate rages
For decades, the topic of unique surname for married couples, called “fufu bessei“, is at the heart of lively debates in Japan. The law requires husband to have the same name, but does not specify which one. In fact, it is often the woman who abandons her maiden name. A symbolic gesture for many, but a source of trouble for others, particularly in their professional career.
Indeed, many women continue to use their birth name workwhich complicates procedures when they travel for business, their passport bearing their husband’s name. And this in a country already behind on questions ofgender equalityranking 120th out of 156 according to the World Economic Forum. The requirement for a unique name only adds an additional obstacle toprofessional development women.
A headache for Japanese companies
Even on the side of employersthe situation becomes delicate. The CEO of Shiseido, Masahiko Uotanidid not mince his words in declaring that this system slows down the careers of women internationally, according to the Guardian. From 2021a measure allows women to reveal their maiden name on their passportin addition to that of their husband. But for many, it remains a solution insufficient.
In June, according to the Japan Timesthe employers’ federation Keidanren called on the government to authorize married couples to keep different namespointing out that this would even encourage some Japanese to get married. Because, yes, some people refuse to get married solely because of this tradition.
All Sato in 2531?
The issue is not only symbolic. According to Hiroshi Yoshidaprofessor of economics, the obligation of unique name could lead to a homogenization of surnames in Japan. By 2531, the majority of Japanese people could be called Sato, a name already borne by 1.5% of the population.
With the demographic decline and the lack of diversity in surnames, this situation could complicate the lives of administrative services and pose serious identity problems. In everyday life Mainichi Shimbun in March, Yoshida warned: “If everyone becomes Sato, we may have to be called by our first names or by numbers. I don’t think it’s a good world to live in.“.