Japan is a sexist society and a society that's slow to change.
I think we all know this and I often point that out on social media.
So, let's be a little positive today.
Five years ago, when my daughter joined the local kid's shishimai (lion dance) group, things were done the "traditional" way.
Why?
"Because that's the way things have always been done."
This is Japan after all.
It meant, among other things, that boys were the only ones allowed to do the lion dance.
Girls were only allowed to play the drums.
Well, five years later here is my daughter holding the lion's head.
There is hope, people. There is hope.
On a side note, I'm so proud of her and all the other kids for yesterday. But especially her, because it was her last matsuri and the first one where she was the lion's head (if my memory is not playing tricks on me).
(my son kicked ass too, but that's for another day, this one is for her)