Question from a reader:
Was there no sexual violence during the Shōwa era? I want to know about the social conditions of that time.
Reflections on the Shōwa Era and Sexual Violence
Recently, while chatting with friends about society during the Shōwa era, the issue of sexual violence came to the forefront. Everyone started talking with great curiosity, wondering, “What was it like back then?” and before we knew it, the conversation got lively. Indeed, the values during the Shōwa era were completely different from those today. Especially regarding sexuality, it
was often viewed as a taboo, making it difficult for victims to speak up. Without social media as we have now, information was rarely shared, which likely led many women who suffered to remain silent. A friend mentioned that there was a strong belief at the time that “the victim is responsible,” and it’s truly sad that this mindset prevented many from voicing their experiences. The mass media also had an attitude of “covering up unpleasant topics,” so there were probably many issues that went unaddressed.
Memorable Incidents
This reminded me of a scene from a comedy show I watched with friends a long time ago. A comedian remarked, “It’s unimaginable what people used to think back then!” It was striking. Indeed, there’s so much we don’t understand about how people felt during that time. I realized that it’s important to create an environment today where victims can speak out. No matter the era, I hope people will have the courage to raise their voices, and I believe we all should support that.
In Conclusion
While discussing this, my friends and I got excited about the idea that “maybe the world is gradually improving.” Of course, it’s not perfect, but I hope for gradual change. If anyone has thoughts or experiences related to the Shōwa era or sexual violence, please share them in the comments. I would love to hear your perspectives!
