Yukiko Kudo
Wayo Women’s University
President, the Japan Association of Home Economics Education
I am pleased to report that a new executive board was inaugurated at the 66th Annual Meeting of the Japan Association of Home Economics Education (JAHEE), held on July 1, 2023. As part of this reorganization I was privileged to be chosen the new president of the Association.
I am keenly aware of the heavy responsibilities I have assumed. For the next two years I will work closely with our vice-presidents, executive directors, board members, and secretariat to effectively manage and guide the Association. I look forward to your continued support and cooperation in this regard.
Today, with over 750 members, the Association remains committed to our founding purpose of “furthering our field, contributing to society, and strengthening ties of cooperation.” We accomplish these goals through continued theoretical and practical research into home economics, the publishing of an Association journal, and such activities as convening an annual meeting, regular meetings and seminars.
To support the research activities of our members, JAHEE also collaborates with organizations overseas, contributing to the development of home economics education globally. Japan’s approach and experience with home economics is perhaps unique among countries; in Japan, home economics is not only compulsory for both boys and girls at all grades of elementary, junior high, and high school, but deals comprehensively and holistically with the challenges of daily life.
JAHEE believes that, through its research and educational activities, we can continue to make an significant international contribution through our uniqueness and vitality.
Japanese society is undergoing seismic shifts and various challenges now confront us, from building sustainable communities, coexisting with AI, and strengthening society against future pandemics, to breaking out from a (very low) ranking of 125 on the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Index. We seem as if in a hurry to adapt and change. Yet at this critical juncture we must not hastily grasp at easy answers but instead pursue lasting solutions that ensure human wellbeing.
Building a sustainable society requires fostering individuals who, in embracing sustainability, create new relationships to others and the environment. Similarly, the path to a sound post-Covid society must start from individuals who create lifestyle of safety and security. Even the first step towards breaking out of the 125th position on the Gender Gap Index begins with a significant increase who are able to balance work, family, and caregiving.
In line with the current educational trend of nurturing children who will drive societal change, I aspire to expand JAHEE research and practice so that they explore the essence of home economics through pursuit of the well-being of children. A fully developed home economics encourages children to reflect on themselves both as individuals and as members of society. By consciously incorporating the methodology of home economics into our research and teaching, we can help children develop creative and enjoyable lives, engage constructively with others, and ultimately change society for the better. That is, through our work together we can help future generations realize lives where the happiness and best interests of individuals are secured and human independence, spontaneity, and diversity are respected.
Thus, let our Association become a platform where numerous dialogues are born in support of the vibrant growth of children. Let us deepen our support for the teachers who nurture these youth, and also work to further develop and empower home economics education.
In the days ahead I shall look forward to receiving feedback, opinions and suggestions from our members.
