Journal of Transformative Praxis

Journal of Transformative Praxis, Volume 7, Issue 1, June 2026, -

Publication date: Jul 30, 2026

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Background:
In the spring of 2024, I studied abroad for 6 months in Hokkaido, Japan. During my stay in Hokkaido, I experienced the differences of gender norms in Japan first hand. 

Objectives:
The purpose of this autoethnography is to combine my direct experience of Japanese gender norms with research on gender norms in both America and Japan, and illustrate how the ways I perceive my femininity, gender, and identity have been influenced because of it. 

Methodology
In this paper, I utilize personal narrative as data. I reflect on and analyze specific lived experiences in Japan in order to grasp understanding about gender in culture and society on a larger scale. 

Results: 
After critically analyzing, I came to the conclusion that gender norms in Japan tend to be more strictly reinforced than American gender norms, especially in terms of appearance, manners, and gendered behaviours. 

Conclusion:
Understanding both Japanese and American gender norms have allowed me to develop an awareness of gender roles as well as a more distinct sense of self and identity. Overall, I realized that gender is more of something you do than something you are, and it can be expressed in drastically different ways across cultures.

Gender norms cultural comparison Japan America

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