Christina Ghanbarpour

This book manuscript, “Changing Traditions: How Rural Women Made Modern Japan, 1890-1960,” examines the important role farm women played in making Japan modern. While not ignoring the barriers rural women faced, this investigation shows how farm women were able to rise above their limitations through activities such as organizing home improvement efforts, reporting on village conditions, fundraising and organizing donation campaigns for everything from clothing to stoves, and learning economically viable skills. Through their efforts, rural women created new lifeways for themselves and for other women, while also reshaping gender roles, regional customs, and family organization. A one-week event to be held at Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, CA, in August 2023 will feature highlights from this research, including an exhibition of prewar rural clothing, a student conference, and a film series.