Japan Debates Matahara: Maternity Harassment in Workplace

Japan is experiencing a national debate surrounding 'matahara,' a term that encapsulates maternity harassment faced by pregnant employees and new mothers in the workplace. This discussion was amplified when Shoko Kawata became the first mayor in Japan's history to remain in office while taking maternity leave, arranging for a deputy to cover her duties without resigning or apologizing. Despite her proactive approach, commentators deemed her temporary absence "inappropriate" for an elected official, highlighting a societal expectation for continuous dedication to work.

Matahara encompasses a range of negative workplace actions, including pressure to resign, demotions upon returning from leave, reassignment of projects, and managers perceiving pregnancy as a personal betrayal. The term has become so ingrained in Japanese vocabulary that it signifies a deep-seated issue within the country's professional environment. This phenomenon underscores a broader cultural expectation for workers to dedicate their lives to their jobs, often forcing a choice between career advancement and starting a family.

The coining of specific terms for workplace phenomena is a notable aspect of Japanese culture, reflecting the societal impact of work on individuals' lives. Examples include 'karoshi,' which refers to death from overwork and has been officially recognized and compensated by the state since the 1980s. More recently, the 'KuToo' movement emerged in the late 2010s, protesting mandatory high heels in the workplace, with the name being a triple pun on 'kutsu' (shoe), 'kutsū' (pain), and the #MeToo movement. The existence of such terms indicates a societal acknowledgment of the extreme demands placed upon workers.

Kawata's situation brings to the forefront the slow pace of institutional adaptation compared to deeply ingrained societal attitudes. She articulated this challenge by stating that while institutions can adjust, human attitudes evolve much more gradually, and she cannot alter her fundamental identity as a woman and a mother. The ongoing conversation initiated by her actions aims to address the systemic challenges faced by working mothers in Japan, pushing for greater understanding and reform in workplace policies and cultural expectations.