Girl-bosses in Japanese history

Credits to the owner

Since ancient times, the life and social status of women in Japan have been regulated by unshakable traditions and unwritten laws: the education and training of a woman were entirely focused on her family purpose. From an early age, Japanese girls were accustomed to the idea of self-sacrifice and unselfish service to the father, husband, son.

Despite the radical changes in the 20th century, this philosophy remains very strong in modern Japan. This is manifested not only in the tradition according to which, when married, but many women also cease their labor activity, devoting themselves to family and children.

In the 1970s, the Japanese housewife stereotype began to break down. The girls began to rebel, form groups and engage in disorderly conduct, sniff glue, lead a free sex life. In school, allowed themselves daring antics.

Sukeban was a real, lively subculture of rebel girls, who preferred the school uniform so as not to look like boys in leather, and were called upon to prove that girlhood and strength are not mutually exclusive.

The term “sukeban” means a bandit girl. Literally translated as “girl boss”. In the 1980s, Japanese police received a list of signs that could be used to calculate these potentially aggressive adolescents. Their school uniform had distinctive details: bright socks instead of white, rolled up sleeves, tattoos, a maxi skirt with a shortened blouse, and an embroidered grouping emblem.

Translated from Japanese, “suke” is a woman, and “ban” means “boss”. They were known for forming female gangs in which they robbed and attacked people. For the first time these groups appeared in the 1960s, and the “gang” was followed by gangs known as “Bancho”, which were joined by young men who dreamed of getting into the yakuza – the Japanese mafia.

By the 70s, the number of gangs had increased, and the sukeban girls became famous for their cruelty. The size of the groups varied from small (a group of Tokyo thieves in stores, about 80 participants) to simply huge (Women’s Delight Alliance Kanto, which, according to rumors, consisted of about 20 thousand girls throughout East Japan). Warring groups often encountered each other in fights and battles. Sukeban could sniff glue, steal heroically in stores, engage in prostitution and violence, but if they are still arrested, the police would treat them more loyal than ordinary criminals.

Each such organization had its own rather strict charter, for its violation threatened with beatings or, for example, burning with a cigarette. It was forbidden to disrespect the elders in the group, flirt with someone else’s boyfriend, friendship with a girl from another group. Even the mafia-yakuza perceived them very positively, without missing an opportunity to express approval.

However, the girls fought more for the idea. Long skirts can be seen as a reaction against the sexual revolution of the 60s, means of protection, with the help of which girls could show that their existence is not determined by the desires of men of onlookers. Fast forward to the 90s, and this trend has completely abolished itself: by that time, the “bad girl” had to wear a hundred kilograms of makeup, and the skirt hem should be as short as possible so that everyone could appreciate your indescribable sexual attractiveness.

Best friends

Toys are the best gifts for children. Remember your first toy in childhood? Was it a Barbie doll, a teddy bear, a wooden horse, a plastic rattle or something else? Do you keep it still?

I have a two-year nephew. When he was born, I wanted to buy him a toy that would be his best friend and protector from the monsters under the bed and in his dreams. When I saw this dog I realized that it’s perfect and I need to gift it!

I really like this toy because it is plush and soft, but at the same time, it is like a hand doll that can be used for mini-theater performances. We often do that. I play of course the main role.

My nephew misled this dog Volcano (“Vulcan”). Such a strong and unusual name came as a suggestion to him for a reason. He loves nature and all its manifestations.

I was also told a version of the origin of this name. Our relatives who live in a country house have a dog. This large but very kind dog breed of a German shepherd and his name is Vulkan. Our baby boy is very afraid of him and avoids him but admires his barking and strong character very much. Of course, the name and the dog itself sunk into the memory of a two-year-old child.

When my nephew was younger, he was very afraid of this toy, she scared him to hell. Now he sleeps with her, goes to the toilet, cleans his teeth, eats, watches cartoons and walks outside. The very best friend and partner in stealing candies from the kitchen.

In childhood, for happiness, we need so little. All we ask for is the best friend in the face of a plush toy. And nothing will scare you in this big world!

My nephew with his Best friend