The Japanese Nightmare

Women Who Don't Want to Marry

Produced and directed by Poul Erik Heilbuth and D.V. Andersen, for DR TV

In Japan, more and more young women are rebelling against the societal norm. They do not want to settle down, marry and have families. Instead, more and more have careers and live with their parents enabling them to have disposable income which they spend for their own enjoyment. Prof. Yamada calls them "single parasites."

Although Japanese women have made strides in the marketplace, Japanese men still think of their wives as subserviant. Seeing their mothers' constricted lives, it is not surprising that so many young women have given up on marriage. However, the impact on the economy and on demographics is dramatic. The birth rate has fallen significantly (as it has in many Western countries) and every second pregnancy ends in abortion. As the population ages, a diminishing workforce will not be sufficient to support their elders' pensions.

"an interesting discussion starter for sociology or women's studies classes." School Library Journal

28 min. Video or DVD. Sale $295. Video rental $55.