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Japanese culture is reflected in the ideal image of good wife, wise mother (良妻賢母 ryōsai kenbo). Women stayed at home, committing themselves to family and devote all their efforts to doing housework and raising children. During the Meiji era, Japanese women's education was modeled after the late 19th century American style of the middle class, teaching women domestic skills, to offer a comfortable home for the family and children. At the end of the 19th century, many women's life changed in the West. Women in the West demanded equal social status as men, redefining their social position and identity. They got out of their homes to participate in the workforce. Women formally achieved equality and justice to a considerable degree. In the second half of the 20th century, most women in the West had a job. Their lifestyle changed significantly. However, this change influenced Asia with different effects. Centered around Japanese culture, the article discusses three types of Japanese women: (1) women as housewives, (2) women who need to work, and (3) women who want to work. Within the Canadian cultural context, the article discusses the wider choice Canadian women have than their Japanese sisters.

Japanese culture, Japanese women, Canadian women, Canadian culture, identity