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PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Good read:

http://wwwsshe.murdoch.edu.au/intersections/issue4/karen.html

Xerius · Joined: 20 Jan 2003 Posts: 29

A very interesting read there, PAULH. Thanks for that.

easyasabc · Joined: 13 Jul 2003 Posts: 179 Location: Japan

That was interesting.

But I'm somewhat what confused by the fact that Japanese women were referred to as being "empowered by their excellent education in Japan's school and university systems".

I have to wonder if academics in other countries (like the author) truly believe that the education system in Japan is "excellent" and if so, do they really know what education is like here?

migo · Joined: 04 Jul 2004 Posts: 201

It just has to be popular opinion.

guest of Japan · Joined: 28 Feb 2003 Posts: 1601 Location: Japan

Very interesting indeed.

chitownesl · Joined: 29 May 2004 Posts: 23

according to my japanese friend, the lady uses terms that are outdated and her opinions are not exactly up to date with the younger generation 16-30. not that it isn't insightful anyway.....

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

A fascinating read. As a single white woman looking for love here, I have had countless discussions about the white man/Japanese woman phenomenon. It was interesting to read the motives of the other side--most talk (at least in bitter white women's circles!) revolves around the men's motivations.

d

Bubba · Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 34

Having lived in japan and been involved in that scene 1997-2001, I can say that this trend is slowing somewhat as a new nationalism (or nihilsm?) takes hold. These chicks are all aropund 30 now (my age) and the younger ones are too obsessed with Hello Kitty and stuff.

But seriously, there will always be a chunk of Japanese women who find in an international relationship a certain freedom and release they cannot get in Japan. Think about it - in the west you can have a career and a family. That's just one example of a 'pull' factor but it's a powerful one to young, educated women (Compared to the global average Japanese women rate as well-educated, despite some of the brainwashing that goes on).

On the subject of bitterness I find lonely white women frequently heap blame on Japanese as much as western men for these relationships. But c'mon everyone should be allowed their preferences.