The Actual State and Implications of a Commuter Marriage : Based on the Memoirs by Singer Tokiko Kato

IR Web Site

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • コミューター・マリッジの実態と含意―歌手、加藤登紀子の回想録を基に―
  • コミューター マリッジ ノ ジッタイ ト ガンイ カシュ カトウトウキコ ノ カイソウロク オ モト ニ

Search this article

Abstract

40017177077

PDF

This paper examines the actual state and implications of singer Tokiko Kato’s commuter marriage as described in her memoirs by decoding her situation and comparing it with the author’s existing research data. Unlike a common concept of a commuter marriage as a temporary treatment, their separation period lasted as long as 21 years. Her husband’s move into farming led to their separation. Upon reaching a decision to separate, Kato experienced hesitation and emotional conflict, and even encountered a divorce crisis—few informants identify similar conditions. Main factors underpinned the hesitation were a lack of foresight and preparation in dealing with the separation, a lack of a person who could assist domestic duties and child-rasing in her new residence, and her husband’s conservative perspective on marriage. However, by being liberated from conventional wisdom, the couple not only avoid a crisis in their relationship, but also grew to accept the separated lives, which in turn led both to achieving self-actualization. The ideal and practice of “farming life” that Kato succeed from her husband asks people to reconsider their own lifestyle individually. It can be considered that her life of separation had a significance for society and future generations, in way that supersedes the issues of maintaining her work and intimate relationship.

Journal

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top