Anyone who thinks Japanese women are subservient has absolutely NO idea of Japan, its culture, or its women! While there are definite 'roles' for men and women, and on the surface it may 'appear' that women are 'serving' the men,
it might be a good idea to start to wonder 'why' the majority of Japanese women have not embraced 'Women's Lib' while the rest of the world's women 'need' it and
should have it! The only aspect of Women's Lib embraced by Japanese women is 'equal pay for equal work.' Nothing else. And the reason being... they already have all the rest. They are far more assertive than American women, but without the need to be aggressive. Personally, I prefer assertive women as companions.
Most people are familiar with the concept of the 'Jewish American Princess,' the stereotype of the outwardly attractive, internally spoiled, greedy, complicated, self-righteous, and obnoxiously difficult and overbearing female. Granted, it IS a 'stereotype.' But... stereotypes come into being for a reason. This concept doesn't exist in Japan. Japan has other stereotypes that emerge more as fashion statements than personality types. And obviously, I'm speaking in generalities, observations I've made from living there so many years, dating there as a single man, and being married into the culture for almost 20 years. My views and opinions changed often as the time I spent there increased and I learned more about the people and the culture. What is seen on the surface is NOT the reality. It's
'tatemae,' perhaps the single most important aspect difference between Japanese and Western culture.
Stitchawl