Menopause marks the end of a woman's reproductive cycle,
which generally happens between the ages of 45-55. According to a 1987 survey
involving 13,996 Japanese women, their average age of perimenopause is 49.33
years. Another study showed a slight variation in menopause age at 52.88 years
old.
However, cultural interpretations and attitudes towards
menopause differ across societies. Japan, being a conservative country, has its
own cultural specifics in regard to menopause. In this post, we explore the
cultural specifics of menopause in Japan.
The term menopause in Japan is referred to as
"Konkatsu Jidai." This phrase translates to "the hunting season
for husbands." This refers to the social pressure that women in Japan face
to get married and settle down before they reach menopause, as they lose their
fertility. Due to the social expectations, women in Japan experience anxiety
and fear around menopause, known as "Kuatsu Byo" or "menopausal
malady." Menopause, therefore, becomes a challenging time for Japanese
women, as it is associated with aging and loss of femininity.
In Japan, menopause is also associated with a decline in
physical health, which can lead to an increase in health concerns. Japanese
women are prone to osteoporosis, which is the loss of bone density. To counter
this, Japanese women consume large amounts of tofu because it is high in
calcium, which helps prevent bone loss. Additionally, they take
"Kampo" medicine, which is traditional Japanese medicine that
includes herbal supplements to alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Another cultural specificity of menopause in Japan is the
importance of "Wabi-Sabi" philosophy, which is an artistic aesthetic
that celebrates the beauty of imperfection and impermanence. Women in Japan
perceive menopause as a natural progression; a time to let go and appreciate
the beauty in the changing state of things. The aesthetic philosophy of
Wabi-Sabi extols these values and can provide a sense of comfort to Japanese
women facing menopause.
Lastly, in Japan, menopause is regarded as a natural
physiological process and not a medical condition, as it is often portrayed in
western culture. Going through this process is seen as a rite of passage for
Japanese women, signaling the end of their reproductive years and a new
chapter. Menopause is celebrated with special rituals and traditional ceremonies,
such as the "Shinto Muko" ceremony, where women wear ceremonial
wedding dresses symbolizing the end of their reproductive years.
In conclusion, menopause in Japan presents unique
challenges and perspectives due to the social pressures, traditional cultural
expectations, and lifestyle attitudes. Japanese women facing menopause
experience anxiety and fear, due to the cultural beliefs that they need to
marry and have children before menopause. However, the importance of
traditional philosophies, Kampo medicine, and rituals can provide a sense of
comfort and celebration during this significant life transition. Overall, the
cultural specifics of menopause in Japan demonstrate the cultural nuances and
unique interpretations that exist in societies worldwide.
