The Life Cycle of the Japanese Family

The Statistical Abstract of Japan (1887-1939) the Japan Statistical Yearbook (1949-81) and a Center for Population Studies report (1981) were the major sources for the compilation of data on the Japanese family cycle comparable to those of the American data by Glick (1977) and of the Canadian data by Rodgers and Witney (1981). 5 major findings emerged regarding the Japanese population today: (a) delayed marriage; (b) early childbearing; (c) an extremely short childbearing period; (d) approximately the same length of joint survival as the other 2 populations; and (e) an extended postparental period for married couples. Changes in fertility behavior and the substantially increased longevity appear to be the major factors that have moved the pattern of the Japanese family cycle toward a Western style in recent years. Moreover the majority of Japanese adults lead married lives. These findings indicate that although the pattern of the family cycle may fluctuate in years to come the institution of the family in Japan will continue to be stable. (authors)