The Voice of a Participant in the “Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan” Program
My son recommended that I participate in the “Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan” program. I applied only two days before the deadline and was delighted to be accepted. I was deeply moved by my experience. I learned the value of democracy, of having a positive attitude toward minorities, and the importance of volunteering. I met many people who really love Japan! This was especially true in Kansas City, MO, which is a sister city of Kurashiki in Japan.
I really admired what was said by Tsuda Umeko, the founder of Tsuda College, one of Japan’s oldest women’s universities. She believed that women should take on challenges in life. I am an alumna of Tsuda College, and my passion for taking on challenges was one of the reasons I decided to participate in this program.
In my hometown of Aizu in Fukushima Prefecture, we have an old saying that my mother taught me when I was a child, which reflects the Aizu spirit. It goes: “If people ask you, you must go as far as Echigo (now Niigata Prefecture) to help with growing rice.” Basically, it means that if you are asked, you must travel even the distance from Boston to New York to help others. My going to the United States was like going to Echigo, although the United States is much farther away! I would be happy if Americans could someday visit and learn more about Japan and the spirit of Aizu.
I believe that this kind of people-to-people diplomacy is really important. We can become friends with people from other countries at an individual level and learn about each other’s cultures. I really hope that Japanese can enjoy the benefits of participating in programs like this one.
My message for young women today is that we may find ourselves in work situations that are not ideal. But we must always do our best in each situation and strive to overcome all difficulties. Only then will a flower blossom in our lives!
Ryoko Yoshioka
Ms. Ryoko Yoshioka is an 82-year-old calligraphy artist and a former English teacher of middle and high school from the town of Aizu, Fukushima, who used to live in both New York and Bangkok. She now provides Japanese-language education and support to overseas students and women in Japan.
The Spirit of Aizu in the United States
The Spirit of Aizu in the United States Walk in U.S., Talk on Japan
- Women's participation going forward -
Based on her experiences as a graduate of Tsuda College and a former expat in the U.S. in the 1960s, Ms. Yoshioka talked about the active participation of women and education in Japan. At the same time, she also discussed the importance of people-to-people exchange between Japan and the U.S.
Please allow me to share my personal story. I hope it will help you understand the importance of the “participation of women” in Japan.
From 1960 to 1962, I lived in New York with my family. At the same time, one of my friends used to say that Japanese ladies are elegant, modest, patient, and that they always stayed at home for the housework. I think this is the image some of you may still have about Japanese women today.
Though in some respects these comments may still be true, nowadays young women in Japan are very active, positive, and willing to work outside of the home. At the same time, the working population is decreasing. Therefore, I feel there are now more chances and greater opportunities for women in Japan.
“Womenomics” is currently a popular expression in Japan.
Prime Minister Abe shot three policy arrows to make Japan strong again and to support the growth of the economy. He often says advancement of women's role in the workforce is indispensable for his Growth Strategy.
Therefore, in achieving Japan's economic recovery, the needs and potential contributions of working women are expected to play a strong role.
Some women who once retired from work for various reasons are now returning to work. Some of them are flourishing as leaders or executives of big businesses. However, the majority still stay at home because they feel uneasy, and know it is difficult to go out working with their small children at home, or with elderly parents to look after.
I know that the government is helping to improve the working environment for women, but I still feel there is more work to be done. If the environment surrounding mothers develops extensively, particularly in terms of childcare facilities, women will be able to return to their former positions. I am sure that they will become a great force to advance the country’s economic growth.
What’s more, if men are more involved at home, women will be more able to work full-time, or start a business, or even go to school again to advance their careers. If their husband is able to help to take care of their sick child, or prepare dinner for kids, she can seek career opportunities and participate more to enhance the economy. I truly think that “Womenomics” is not only a women’s issue, but a men’s issue too.
I feel that the situation for women in Japan is beginning to change. However, progress is still needed to balance men and women in the workplace.
I am very pleased, finally, to say thank you to the United States and American people for the education given to Ms. Umeko Tsuda about 150 years ago. Ms. Tsuda went on to establish Tsuda College, where I graduated from, in order to provide higher education for women.
She was struck by, and greatly admired, the position of women in American society. She and her friends devoted themselves to encouraging and educating Japanese women, with earnestness and diligence.
Under the Constitution promulgated after World War II, the Japanese have been enjoying the benefits of democracy with fundamental human rights given to women, such as voting rights, and equality of employment and education.
Once again, “Womenomics” will be a key factor for Japanese women to fulfill the fruits of their education.