Child Rearing in Japan

In this chapter we focus on child rearing in Japan. We are particularly interested in the changing role of fathers, who have frequently been characterized as marginal figures in the Japanese family system. We first undertake a brief historical overview of the Japanese family in order to understand how the role of mothers and fathers has evolved during the modern period. We then review recent research findings on parenting in Japan. We conclude with an overview of the steps that policy makers and educators can take to support Japanese parents’ ability to nurture their young and improve the wellbeing of all family members.