The Overlooked Heroes of Japan’s Economic Miracle

Once, I asked students to identify the heroes of Japan’s economic miracle in the 1960s and 1970s. Were they the dedicated salarymen who worked tirelessly day and night to rebuild the country after the war? Or perhaps the hardworking sons and daughters who studied diligently to secure a better future for their families? Maybe it was the silent and patient mothers who supported and cared for their families, or other individuals whose contributions were vital to the nation’s success. This question aimed to encourage them to look beyond the surface and recognize the breadth of contributions that shaped Japan’s post-war transformation.

When people envision Japan’s rapid economic growth during the 1960s and 1970s, a familiar image often comes to mind: black-and-white footage of suited men cramming into already crowded subway cars in Tokyo. Station workers swiftly push them onto the trains as a somber TV announcer intones, “This morning, too, Japanese salarymen are heading to work to shape the future of this nation.”

This narrative—one that portrays diligent salarymen as the heroes of Japan’s economic miracle—was meticulously crafted by the media and has become deeply ingrained in our collective memory. While it is undeniable that these men worked tirelessly, it is crucial to acknowledge the equally significant roles that women played during this transformative era.

Unseen and Often Overlooked Contributions

In the traditional and patriarchal society of post-war Japan, women’s contributions were undervalued and frequently invisible. Many women were devoted mothers, managing households, raising children, and supporting their husbands in a culture deeply rooted in the concept of 亭主関白 (teishu kanpaku)—a notion that placed men as the unquestioned heads of the household while women silently supported them.

Others ventured into the workforce as office ladies (OLs) or worked in family businesses, restaurants, and farms. Their labor, whether formal or informal, was instrumental in sustaining households and communities. However, due to the nature of their work being often unpaid or underpaid, it remained unmeasured and taken for granted. In an era when technological advancements like washing machines and refrigerators began entering households, the media portrayed these innovations as tools that made mothers’ lives “easier” without acknowledging the unpaid labor they provided or the inherent value of their emotional and logistical contributions.

For instance, in the 1970s, while male labor force participation exceeded 80%, female participation remained around 52%, as reported by government statistics. However, this figure fails to account for the unpaid contributions of women, such as managing family farms or supporting local businesses.

The Portrayal of Women in Media: From Invisible to Objectified

As Japan’s economy experienced significant growth, the representation of women in media underwent a transformation. During the 1960s and 1970s, advertising and entertainment media portrayed women as sexual objects. Publications like **Heibon Punch** and the “mini-skirt boom” reflected global trends but carried a unique significance in Japan’s patriarchal society, which lacked a robust feminist discourse. This objectification reinforced the notion that women primarily existed for male consumption, whether as homemakers or objects of desire, further overshadowing their substantial contributions to the nation’s growth.

At the same time, many old TV dramas and anime depicted office ladies serving tea to guests or senior colleagues before disappearing, excluded from key meetings or conversations. These portrayals subtly framed the perception of women’s roles for both girls and boys, shaping their understanding of societal expectations. While times have changed, and such scenarios are less common today, the remnants of these outdated perceptions still linger in Japanese society.

The Persistent Gender Gap

Fast forward to the present day, and Japan continues to grapple with gender equality compared to other developed nations. Among OECD and G7 countries, Japan ranks near the bottom in terms of female representation in politics and corporate leadership. For instance, as of 2023, women constituted only 10% of Japan’s lower house of parliament and held less than 15% of executive positions in major corporations, significantly below global averages.

A Glimmer of Hope

Despite these challenges, there are indications of progress. For the first time in Japan’s history, the number of women graduating from college has surpassed that of men. According to data from the Ministry of Education, female enrollment in higher education surpassed 50% by the 2010s, and in prestigious universities like the University of Tokyo, the percentage of female students has steadily increased over the past decade.

Society and businesses are increasingly recognizing the invaluable contributions of women, not only for their moral imperative but also for their economic necessity. Companies with diverse leadership have consistently outperformed their less diverse counterparts, and Japan’s aging population demands the full utilization of its workforce, including women.

Recognizing the Past to Shape the Future

While these developments are encouraging, it is crucial to acknowledge the sacrifices and efforts of women during Japan’s economic miracle. The mothers who raised the next generation, the office ladies (OLs) who supported corporate operations, and the women who toiled in family businesses and farms were the unsung heroes of this transformative period. They provided food and care for the salarymen, sons, and daughters who became the backbone of modern Japan.

Their contributions, though challenging to quantify and often overlooked, were equally vital as the innovations and infrastructure celebrated in historical accounts. As we look to the future, it is essential to honor their role in building the foundation of contemporary Japan and ensuring that women are no longer merely silent supporters but equal partners in shaping the nation’s trajectory.