[Ventry] It's a boy . . >_
One year removed and I really shouldn't bother getting mixed up in Japanese news as if I still lived there, but this one's been really bugging me lately. Here's how the story goes in layman's terms . .
When Emperor Akihito dies, by Imperial Law, his first-born son (Prince Naruhito) inherits the throne.
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BUT when Naruhito dies, what then? By Imperial Law, only MALES can inherit the throne. And Naruhito only has a daughter (Aiko). How about the rest of the Imperial Family's kids? Nope, maleless since 1965.
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Newspapers are calling this A CRISIS!! But to me, it just takes a VERY simple, obvious and overdue change to the law = ALL HAIL EMPRESS AIKO!!
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So now with the public pressure, the government's going nuts and Prime Minister Koizumi's panicking like a cornered bull stingray: "Great Shades of Elvis-sensei! What do I do?? I don't wanna be the guy that changes a million year old tradition! Taihen dattebayo!"
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Many, many years later, FINALLY, the government says, "OK OK, we'll change the law!" but SUDDENLY, second-born son Prince Akishino says, "WAAAITT!! My wife is pregnant!!" and Koizumi yells: "STOP!!!! KILL THE BILL!! Let's wait a little longer and see if THIS BABY IS A BOY!!"
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-_-#
Today, Prince Akishino's wife gave birth to a BOY, so Japan breathes a sigh of relief, Imperial Law stays and Koizumi's rockin' away to "Love Me Tender" at a Shibuya karaoke bar.
I've always rooted for the underdog, and in Japan, the greatest underdog is women. Sure, it's not as bad as some other Asian countries, but it still could use some improvement . . I mean, it's a democratic country, it's the 2000s, and inequality was so 30 years ago. So, what's up with all this male-only stuff?
Yes, I really wanted it to be a girl, because maybe it takes a female leader to change an archaic perception. I'm not talking some crazy reform of getting rid of pin-up girls and Morning Musume (Hey, I love Goto Maki!!) What I mean by perception is that with a woman in power, perhaps more women will feel empowered, too. Perhaps they'll realize that they shouldn't have to quit their job when they get married, or be the only cook for the whole family, or be required to serve tea by default. Or be the pink ranger instead of the red one. ;) There were many strong girls in the generation of students I taught, and I just want them to stay that way.
In short: screw tradition and ALL HAIL EMPRESS AIKO!!
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Today, Prince Akishino's wife gave birth to a BOY, so Japan breathes a sigh of relief, Imperial Law stays and Koizumi's rockin' away to "Love Me Tender" at a Shibuya karaoke bar.
I've always rooted for the underdog, and in Japan, the greatest underdog is women. Sure, it's not as bad as some other Asian countries, but it still could use some improvement . . I mean, it's a democratic country, it's the 2000s, and inequality was so 30 years ago. So, what's up with all this male-only stuff?
Yes, I really wanted it to be a girl, because maybe it takes a female leader to change an archaic perception. I'm not talking some crazy reform of getting rid of pin-up girls and Morning Musume (Hey, I love Goto Maki!!) What I mean by perception is that with a woman in power, perhaps more women will feel empowered, too. Perhaps they'll realize that they shouldn't have to quit their job when they get married, or be the only cook for the whole family, or be required to serve tea by default. Or be the pink ranger instead of the red one. ;) There were many strong girls in the generation of students I taught, and I just want them to stay that way.
In short: screw tradition and ALL HAIL EMPRESS AIKO!!