6) Is Japan saying Men ≠ Women? はい、そですね。

Have you ever seen the show on ABC called Wipeout? It was absolutely inspired by the extremely entertaining and dangerous phenomenon known as Japanese game shows. They usually consist of eager contestants making their ways across ridiculous obstacle courses. The G4 channel broadcasts one such show called Ninja Warrior (known in Japan as SASUKE). Every year, one hundred people gather at Mt. Midoriyama to compete in a single-elimination challenge over four grueling stages, testing strength and stamina. The contenders climb walls, swing across gaps, and shimmy along ledges among other things. Because of the demanding physical nature, a majority of the participants are buff men. Women are allowed to participate but very few actually have.

There is also a spinoff of the show called Women of Ninja Warrior (known in Japan as KUNOICHI). As the title implies, only woman are allowed to compete. With such a gender restriction, the makers of the show decided to use the obstacles to test balance and speed. The difference in gender is acknowledged. The shows cater to the apparent strengths of each gender. While I’m sure some men could do the female challenges, they are most likely more suited for those in the original Ninja Warrior.

Maybe this shows that Asia (or at least Japan) has made a pretty clear distinction between what men and women are better at. This discrepancy is evident in America. We tend to claim the genders are equal. However, just look at a high school gym class. Men are expected to run a mile in about eight minutes while women are given ten to eleven minutes. On the other hand, women are expected to be more flexible than men. Is the modern idea of “gender equality” just a ruse for political correctness while the differential treatment of the sexes still exists and will continue to? Japan seems to have made their peace with the idea; maybe it's time America does the same.

Ninja Warrior AKA Strength and Stamina

Women of Ninja Warrior AKA Balance and Speed