한 화족서녀(華族庶女)의 삶을 통해 보는 근대전환기 일본여성의 운명

Abstract

In this article, I explore how Japanese society structured and regulated the lives of women by focusing on Byakuren Yanagiwara, a daughter of a concubine from Japanese nobility. My objective was to understand how the lives of women — concubines and their daughters — were affected by the challenges they faced during Japan’s modernization, including the abolition of class distinctions and women’s pursuit of citizenship. Initially, I provide a concise overview of Byakuren’s life. Subsequently, I delve into societal transformations, encompassing legal reforms and revisions, which significantly impacted her individual experiences. In particular, I analyze how Byakuren’s two marriages — arranged by familial authority — mirror a society where women were perceived as socially subordinate within a maledominated patriarchy, often serving as mere pawns in political unions. The context behind Byakuren’s third marriage, characterized by free choice, lies in the socio-cultural milieu of the Daisho era, where discussions around free love and individuality were prominent. Furthermore, I highlight how Byakuren evolved into a significant figure through her active involvement in her husband’s election campaign and her direct role in the liberation of the harlot, extending beyond mere economic support for her family