Page:Japan by the Japanese (1904).djvu/643

Many a book about Japan has been written in English, but hardly any has brought to light the social position of the Japanese woman, her work and influence in Old Japan. Superficial observers from the West, therefore, have sadly misunderstood our women, and have supposed that they have always been as insignificant and unimportant in society as the Chinese and Corean women. The present condition of women in Japan and their outlook cannot be justly estimated unless we understand something about their position in the past. Therefore, in treating of women’s position in Japan, I think it desirable to begin with a brief account of our women in the past, and then to state the origin and progress of women’s education in the present, together with what women’s education should be in the future.

The part women played in Old Japan was very remarkable, especially before the arrival of Buddhism and Confucianism. Men and women were almost equal in their social position. There was then no shadow of the barbarous idea that men were everything and women were nothing. Women’s power even in politics was great, and history tells us that there were nine women who ascended the throne in olden times. Women in general were not inferior to men either physically, or mentally, or morally. They were noted for their bravery, and distinguished themselves in the field of battle. In the literary world they were not less noted for their brilliant productions. The moral conduct was most blameless, and commanded universal respect. Their natural temperament was cheerful and optimistic, and charmed the sterner sex. Such being the attainments and characteristics of women in