Japan is a society in flux. Gender roles are dissolving, work ethics are shifting, and while a shrinking workforce is forcing this homogeneous nation to alter its views on foreign workers, the upcoming Olympic Games mean international visitors must also be welcomed with open arms.
While gender roles are still clearly defined in Japan, more women are prioritising their careers, heading back to the office after marriage and kids. In turn, the population of ikumen – male caregivers – is slowly growing, and the stigma attached to the idea is vanishing.
