Notes from Norwich // Notizen aus Norwich

What's it like trying to equal parent in a country famous for it's strict work ethic and low fertility rate? In this episode I speak to Japanese sociologists and fathers who have taken parental leave to understand how gender relations and parental attitudes have been changing in Japan over the past 30 years. Two central insights emerge. Firstly, whilst fathers have slowly been taking on more domestic labour and child care duties, the trajectory for mothers hasn't been what you might expect. Secondly, when politicians think about legislation around gender equality and parenthood are only partially thinking about gender equality – they're also thinking about fertility rates, and the economy as a whole. And this has a profound impact on the kind of legislation they decide to introduce. Guests Prof Hideki Nakazato: professor of sociology at Konan University Kentaro Ogawa: father of three currently on parental leave Prof Junko Nishimura: professor of family sociology at Ochanomizu University Kei Maejima: CEO of Antway, father who previously took parental leave Shodai Hirano: founder and director of the NGO Daddy Support Sections 00:00 – Introduction 01:11 – Japanese Paternity Leave: a short history 06:53 – Changes for mothers 15:40 – Food preparation and class 24:52 – Parents at work 34:25 – Daddy Support & Fathering Japan 38:25 – Gender equality or fertility rates? 49:58 – What the future holds If you liked this episode, you can support this project by buying me a coffee: Buy me a coffee Links: Website Instagram