J-Horror: An Expression of Change in Japanese Culture and Tradition

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Horror movies have become a staple in the movie industry. In theaters worldwide, but primarily Hollywood, the women of horror are often portrayed as the damsel in distress, usually lacking independence and often victimized. This portrayal of women in horror is not internationally acknowledged. Japanese horror (aka J-Horror) has gone to great lengths to make the wrath of the female feared amongst all audiences. As a country known for its “slow progressing cultural movements” (McRoy 54), Japan has used film as away to express the changes in traditional and cultural practices. In comparison to Hollywood, J-horror makes the role of the female much more significant to reflect changes in both tradition and society. Various J-horror movies like Ringu, Ju-on, and One Missed Call are particularly good examples of expressing these changes, but not necessarily the only ones.

From an outsider perspective, Japan seemingly maintains an honorable, proper style of living. However, this view is outdated. Closer inspection of Japan’s current society shows that it is increasingly bearing resemblance to that of the United States (Bureau Statistics). This does not mean that Japan does not still carry the same traditions, but implies that what may have been culturally relevant in the past may not be what is appropriate in the present. For women in particular, being the average japanese wife no longer means being obedient and submissive. It means having the ability to be independent from man.

Women’s rights is a war that is being fought on a global level. Just like American women in the early 20th century, Japanese women found themselves caught in the middle of societal and economical changes. They were the housewife, the child-bearer, and relied...

... middle of paper ...

...emic Search Complete. Web. 21 Nov. 2011.

Iles, Timothy, 1961-. "Japanese Horror Cinema (review)." The Journal of Japanese Studies 33.1 (2007): 264-268. Project MUSE. Web. 21 Nov. 2011. .

J., Chris. "Chris' Survival Horror Quest." Dreamdawn Interactive. 2006. Web. 10 Dec. 2011. .

Lah, By Kyung. "Japan Sees Alarming Rise in Child Abuse - CNN.com." CNN.com - Breaking News, U.S., World, Weather, Entertainment & Video News. 15 Feb. 2011. Web. 10 Dec. 2011. .

"Marriages and Divorces." Statistics Bureau. Statistics Bureau, 2009. Web. 02 Dec. 2011. .

McRoy, Jay. Nightmare Japan: Contemporary Japanese Horror Cinema. Amsterdam: Rodopi, 2008. Print.

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