The Conduct and Culture of Fatherhood in Japan: How do Fathers in Tokyo Perceive Their Role?

Abstract: Against a backdrop of economic stagnation and declining birth rate, fatherhood in Japan has drawn increasing attention over the past three decades from the state, the media, and the general public. Of particular interest is the emergence of a new kind of fathering known as ikumen, which centres active involvement in childcare. Using LaRossa’s (1988) model of the “asynchrony” of change in the culture and conduct of fatherhood, this thesis examines perceptions of their fathering role in nine white-collar, urban fathers in the three areas of home, work, and society. Interview participants demonstrated varying levels of involvement in childcare and the strength of their fathering identity. They observed a number of changes in the conduct of fathering to match the culture through their own experiences and observing those around them, including increased corporate focus on work-life balance facilitating parenting. However, this thesis finds that culture continues to outpace conduct as the ideology of those with a strong fathering identity moves beyond the standard that others are attempting to achieve.