Dynamics of Japanese Households: Unit 1 Study Guide

Kazoku

Japanese word for family, essential for understanding social structures.

Uchi

Refers to the inside or in-group, particularly in family context.

Soto

Refers to the outside or out-group, used in contrast to 'Uchi'.

Ie System

Historical patriarchal household system in Japan where the eldest son inherits.

Daikazoku

Large or extended family, historically consisting of three generations.

Kakukazoku

Nuclear family, the dominant family structure in modern Japan.

Tanshin-funin

A work-related transfer phenomenon where the father lives apart from the family.

Sengyō-shufu

Full-time housewife responsible for household tasks and education.

Tomobataraki

A dual-income family where both parents work.

Ikumen

Fathers who are actively involved in child-rearing.

Omiyamairi

Ceremony where babies are taken to a shrine approximately one month after birth.

Okuizome

Ritual 'first meal' ceremony held around 100 days after a child's birth.

Shichigosan

Festival for children aged 3 and 7 (girls) and 3 and 5 (boys), held on November 15th.

Seijin no Hi

Coming of Age Day, celebrated on the second Monday of January for those turning 20.

O-Shōgatsu

Japanese New Year celebration, the most important family event.

O-Bon

Festival of the Dead where families pay respects to ancestors.

Shōshikōreika

Term referring to low birth rates and an aging population in Japan.

Chōju

Refers to the phenomenon of people living longer in Japan.

Kaigo

Caregiving, traditionally associated with the eldest son's wife caring for in-laws.

Parasite Singles

Adult children living with their parents while delaying marriage.

Banka

Refers to the trend of late marriage in modern Japan.

Omiai

Arranged marriage often facilitated through matchmaking.

Ren-ai

Love match, the prevalent type of marriage today compared to Omiai.

Amae

Cultural concept of dependency and reliance on the benevolence of others.

Nursing Homes

Care facilities that carry a stigma in Japanese culture but are becoming more common.

Hitorigurashi

Living alone, a concept becoming more prevalent in Japanese society.

Oyakōkō

Filial piety, a term referring to devotion and respect for one's parents.

Tomobataraki

A dual-income structure where both parents share financial responsibilities.