Re(3): Misogyny in the Japanese Workplace Posted on 3/9/2020 at 17:10:20 by Les Ostrom -
During an accompanied 4-year tour of duty in Yokosuka, my wife and I were invited to dinner at the home of my Japanese Industrial Relations Office, Kinji Kajikawa. I was not prepared for the reception by Kinji and his wife - my wife Ann even less so. Kinji's wife appeared in her kimono, bowing and kowtowing, made her introductions - and then disappeared for the evening!
Later during my tour, I was convalescing at home from accidentally amputated fingers when I had the occasion to have Kinji and his wife at my home. The doorbell rang and our maid Masako answered the door. I heard a stream of Japanese and then Masako excitedly announced that Kinji was paying his respects to me. After much cajoling, we managed to get Kinji to accept our invite into our living room - no sign of his wife. After a few minutes of pleasant conversation, we learned that Kinji's wife was with him -but at the typical 50 paces behind him around the corner of the house. After more cajoling, we succeeded in having Kinji's wife join us. Replies:
