In regards to my research while I am in Japan, I am especially interested in two subjects. One potential subject I am interested to research is LGBTQ+ identities in Japan and the US. With the legalization of gay marriage in 2015, recognition and support of the queer community has been on the rise. Based on polling in 2017, support for gay marriage is at 62%, compared to 35% who oppose it (Pew Research Center). However, the US still lacks fundamental laws to protect those in the queer community. Additionally, religious-backed homophobia creates a major boundary for equality in the US. In Japan, gay marriage has no legal recognition. In certain areas, like Shibuya, gay couples can receive some recognition for events like hospital visits and renting apartments. However, Japan still has fairly limited protections for LGBTQ+ people. Employers, landlords, and child adoption services are able to discriminate against queer people with little to no consequence.
Another subject I am very interested in is the rights and treatment of women in the two countries. Gender roles are still heavily ingrained into both societies. In Japan, the gender roles of women can be reinforced through their values of group harmony and loyalty. Full time housewives are seen as very valuable to society, and women are frequently encouraged to manage their households while their husbands work. However, this mindset has been slowly changing as people are getting married later in life, and more women enter the workforce. In the United States, gender roles stemmed from religious beliefs regard women. While many women are actively working, there are still expectations that women must juggle both homemaking and their professional careers. American women are still expected to conform to specific beauty standards, get married, and have children. Feminist groups are active in both countries to help transform the role of women and fight for their rights.
I think that both of these subjects would have plentiful resources I would be able to use when conducting my research. I am excited to arrive in Japan and learn more about each of these subjects.