Up to the post-war period the husband was socially and legally the head of the household, as well as being responsible for the welfare of all members. The eldest son took over this role, and its prestige, once the father retired. The son’s wife was at the lowest level within the household. Over the decades since, there have been legal changes and a substantial watering-down of these previously strictly adhered to roles within the family (kazoku). However, it’s still common for the eldest son, or the son if only one, to inherit the family home and with it the responsibility of looking after … [Read more...]