Masako Katsura is a Japanese marriage and family therapist who has written extensively about marriage and titles in Japan. In this blog post, we will explore her thoughts on the matter. Katsura believes that the traditional Japanese system of assigning marriage roles and titles is outdated and can harm relationships. She offers some suggestions for updating the system to be more equitable and beneficial for all involved.
What is a Masako Katsura marriage?
A Masako Katsura marriage is a traditional Japanese marriage in which the bride’s family and friends give her away to the groom’s family. The couple then exchanges sake cups, and the groom’s parents give their blessing. The bride usually wears a white kimono and carries a white umbrella, and the groom wears a black kimono. After the ceremony, the couple often visits the bride’s family home to receive her parents’ blessings.
The different types of marriages in Japan
There are many different types of marriages in Japan. The most common type is the traditional arranged marriage, where families select partners for their children. This type of marriage is still common among the older generation, but younger couples are increasingly choosing to marry for love.
Other types of marriages in Japan include:
- Shotgun weddings, where the couple is forced to marry due to an unplanned pregnancy.
- Green card marriages, where one partner marries for immigration purposes.
- Childless marriages, where the couple does not have any children.
Whatever marriage a couple chooses, certain traditions and customs are always followed. For example, couples must exchange wedding rings and dress in white on their wedding day. They may also choose to have a Shinto ceremony, a more traditional wedding form.
What is the role of women in a Masako Katsura marriage?
In a Masako Katsura marriage, the role of women is to be submissive to their husbands and obey their authority. They are also responsible for domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and child-rearing. While they may have some input in decision-making, ultimately, their husband has the final say. This type of marriage is based on traditional gender roles and expectations.
How do titles work in Japan?
In Japan, one’s surname comes before their given name. No titles such as “Mr.” or “Mrs.” are used before someone’s name. Instead, Japanese people will use a person’s title followed by their surname. For example, someone with the surname Tanaka and the title of Sensei would be addressed as Sensei Tanaka.
When two people with the same surname get married, they have a few options for what to do with their surnames. They can keep their surnames, hyphenate them, or both take on a new surname. The decision is up to the couple and is often based on personal preference.
Some occupational titles can be used in place of a person’s surname. For example, a doctor with the surname Suzuki could be addressed as Hakase Suzuki.
The pros and cons of a Masako Katsura marriage
There are definitely some things to consider when it comes to the pros and cons of a Masako Katsura marriage. Conversely, marrying into the Katsura family means becoming part of one of Japan’s most influential and wealthy families. You could also take on the family’s prestigious name and title. However, there are also some drawbacks to this type of marriage. For one, you would be expected to give up your surname and take on your husband’s. You would also be required to live in his family’s household and conform to their rules and expectations.
Conclusion
Masako Katsura’s story is a fascinating look at how marriage and titles work in Japan. While the system may be different from what we’re used to in the West, it’s clear that a great deal of thought and tradition goes into these decisions. Masako’s story will inspire many to learn about Japanese culture and traditions.
