Family
life has always been important in Japan.
Before World War II at least three generations lived together in one
house. Parents had many children. Children had to respect their fathers since
dads demanded this. Women worked only
in the home. They had to obey their
husbands too.
Today, people marry for love and
companionship. Like in the United
States, most parents live with their children.
However sometimes grandparents live with parents and children. Most families have only one child. Members of each family respect each
other. Families do activities
together. More fathers today help raise
the children and do household chores.
This is because more and more women are working. Since there are many elderly people in
Japan, families try to keep their older relatives healthy. They help the elderly stay involved in
activities and contribute to community and family affairs.
This is my host family.
The dad is a curriculum coordinator in an
elementary school. The mom is a
homemaker. The boys are 9 and 7 years
old.