摘要
This article traces the development of modem Japanese femininity from the Meiji Restoration （1868） to the end of the Asia Pacific War （1945）. It explores how modem Japanese femininity was constructed in relation to ＂civilization＂ （bunmei） and war. With the introduction of the Western notion of ＂civilization＂, the Meiji state tried to ＂civilize＂ its views on women to become on par with the West. As the status of women became a major national issue in the late 19th century, women began to regard themselves as important members of the nation through their involvement in patriotic activities. During the Second Sino-Japanese War and Asia Pacific War, women strengthened their ties to the nation by supporting the wars on the home front as mothers, wives, laborers, and members of women＇s association. This made patriotism, frugality, and selflessness essential to the definition of the Japanese woman. In addition to these qualities, chastity was central to the idealized image of the Japanese woman. Through the examination of the historical development of Japanese femininity, this article offers insight into the image of ＂good Japanese woman＂.
