Gender, media, and misogyny in Japan

Abstract

This chapter examines the process of “mediated misogyny” in Japan and its associated patterns of marginalization, trivialization, and stereotyping, which impact not only women but also non-normative masculinities, as well as gender and sexual minorities. It explains a critical feminist perspective to show how the structure and patterns of mediated misogyny permeate and perpetuate mainstream media culture and the male-dominated media industry in Japan and consider why these patterns persist and who benefits from them. The chapter presents an overview of the Japanese media environment and traces some of the scholarship on gender and media issues in Japan. Mainstream Japanese media culture is constrained by ingrained practices and relationships such as the kisha kurabu system and the powerful influence of advertising agencies. The chapter concludes by summarizing how media practices in Japan, though not solely responsible for persistent gender inequality and embedded misogyny, play an important cultural role in maintaining gendered hierarchies and preserving patriarchal norms.