Ueno Boom: The Rise of Feminism in China

Introduction

In recent years, the Chinese government has increasingly promoted conservative social values and encouraged women to focus on raising children. It has cracked down on civil society movements and passed laws to drive out foreign influence.

However, amidst these restrictions, a 75-year-old Japanese feminist scholar named Chizuko Ueno has become an unlikely celebrity on China’s heavily censored Internet. Her popularity reflects a growing interest in women’s rights in a country where feminism has faced significant challenges.

The Phenomenon of Chizuko Ueno

Chizuko Ueno, a professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, rose to prominence in China in 2019 with a speech in which she criticized society’s expectations for women to act cute and the pressure they face to hide their success. Despite not being married and having no children, Ueno’s openness about her choices has made her a role model for many.

Ueno’s books have been widely embraced by Chinese readers, with sales surpassing half a million copies in mainland China in the first half of 2023. Her works cover various topics, from misogyny in Japanese society to feminist approaches to elder care issues in an aging society.

One of Ueno’s most popular books, “Starting From the Limit,” which is a collection of letters she exchanged with Suzumi Suzuki, an author who used to star in Japanese porn, topped the list of 2022 books on popular Chinese review platform Douban. The success of Ueno’s books suggests that there is a growing demand for feminist ideas and discussions in China.

The Suppression of Feminist Movements in China

About a decade ago, China witnessed a wild feminist movement that staged protests to demand more toilets for women or raise awareness of domestic violence. However, this movement has been silenced in recent years as President Xi Jinping’s government tightened controls on civil society and promoted conservative family values to boost the birth rate.

Activism related to feminism is viewed with suspicion by the Chinese authorities, and any form of public protest or organized movement is now nearly impossible. Police regularly summon owners of bookstores and cafes, pressuring them to cancel feminism-themed events, and online discussions related to #MeToo and feminism in general are being censored.

In fact, Chinese journalist and activist Huang Xueqin, who helped spark China’s first high-profile #MeToo case, was recently imprisoned for alleged incitement to subvert state power. The suppression of feminist movements has created a challenging environment for women’s rights activists in China.

The Impact of Chizuko Ueno’s Ideas

Despite the limitations on feminism in China, the rise of Ueno’s popularity has played a role in keeping feminist ideas alive in the country. Through her books and speeches, Ueno has inspired many Chinese women to challenge societal expectations and make choices that align with their personal values.

Ueno’s example of not getting married or having children has particularly resonated with her audience. Many of her fans view her as a role model who defies traditional assumptions about women’s roles in society. Her openness has helped women overcome fears about being single and empowered them to pursue their own paths with confidence.

One of Ueno’s Chinese fans, Edith Cao, shared that seeing an East Asian woman succeed without a family helped her decide not to marry. Another fan, Yang Xiao, revealed that Ueno’s example inspired her to book a vacation alone to build self-confidence.

However, even among Ueno’s Chinese fans, there is controversy and debate regarding relationships. When a Chinese video blogger asked Ueno if she didn’t get married because she was hurt by men, it sparked a series of online discussions about marriage and feminism. Despite differing opinions, these discussions have contributed to keeping feminist ideas in the public conversation.

The Censorship of Feminist Ideas in China

Ueno’s books have managed to escape censorship in China because she doesn’t specifically write about China. This has allowed her ideas to reach a broader audience without facing the same level of scrutiny from the Chinese authorities. While feminist ideas are not explicitly banned in China, any activism or organized movement related to feminism is closely monitored and suppressed.

Bookstore owners and event organizers often face pressure from the police to cancel feminist-themed events. Online posts related to #MeToo and feminism are frequently deleted, and feminist activists are attacked by nationalist bloggers as foreign agents. The restrictions and censorship have made it challenging for feminist ideas to gain widespread traction and bring about direct political change.

Despite these challenges, Ueno’s popularity has helped fuel an underlying force for change. Her books and ideas have resonated with many Chinese readers and have encouraged them to question societal norms and challenge gender stereotypes.

Practical Impact of Ueno’s Feminism

The impact of Ueno’s feminism is not limited to inspiring women to make personal choices and challenge societal expectations. Her ideas have also influenced the behavior and perspectives of men in China.

For example, Guo Qingyuan, a 35-year-old copywriter, shared that reading Ueno’s books made him question how he viewed women. He stopped discussing women’s looks with his friends and actively sought children’s books for his daughter that promote gender equality and avoid perpetuating stereotypical gender roles.

Ueno’s ideas have also motivated women to assert themselves and stand up against harassment and discrimination. Megan Ji, a 30-year-old financial analyst, credits Ueno’s books for giving her the courage to confront her boss when he crossed boundaries at an after-work event. Ji’s actions led to an immediate apology and a change in behavior in her workplace.

These practical examples illustrate the positive impact that Ueno’s feminism has had on individuals in China, empowering them to challenge gender norms and seek equality in their personal and professional lives.

Conclusion

The rise of Chizuko Ueno’s popularity in China signifies a growing interest in women’s rights and feminist ideas. Despite the restrictions and censorship imposed by the Chinese government, Ueno’s books have found a receptive audience, offering inspiration and empowerment to those seeking to challenge societal expectations.

While the full extent of the impact of Ueno’s feminism in China is yet to be seen, it has undoubtedly sparked conversations and influenced individuals to question gender norms and strive for greater equality. The Ueno boom may not result in significant political change, but it has ignited a force for progress that continues to thrive despite the challenges faced by feminists in China.

Overall, Chizuko Ueno has become a symbol of resilience and a source of hope for those advocating for women’s rights in China.

Summary

In recent years, the Chinese government has promoted conservative social values and restricted civil society movements. However, amidst these restrictions, Chizuko Ueno, a Japanese feminist scholar, has gained popularity in China with her criticisms of societal expectations for women and her emphasis on personal choice. Her books have sold millions of copies in China, signaling a growing interest in feminist ideas. Despite censorship and limitations on activism, Ueno’s popularity has helped keep feminist ideas alive in the country. She has inspired many Chinese women to challenge societal norms and pursue their own paths. While feminism is still heavily monitored and suppressed in China, Ueno’s impact has fueled an underlying force for change. Her ideas have influenced individuals’ behavior and perspectives, empowering both women and men to question gender norms and strive for equality. The rise of Ueno’s popularity in China represents a growing movement for women’s rights and a symbol of hope for feminists in the country.

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In recent years, the Chinese government has increasingly promoted conservative social values ​​and encouraged women to focus on raising children. It has cracked down on civil society movements and passed laws to drive out foreign influence.

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