How to Flip Unfairness in Parenting : Overturned Shogun’s Naming

Celebrating My Birthday and the Wisdom of Family

When is your birthday? Today, my birthday, is a significant day for me. For many, birthdays symbolize joy and the passage of time. However, this year's birthday is especially meaningful because it brings to mind the gift my father gave me—a Chinese letter, 貴, which translates to 'wise treasure.' This powerful symbol from my father’s name encapsulates the wisdom and wealth of experiences that life offers.

The Flip Role of Women in Society

Living in Japan during parenting, I've been acutely aware of the societal challenges faced by women. It's a male-dominated society where women's average wages are significantly lower than their male counterparts, a situation that resonates similarly in the U.S. This presents a unique struggle for mothers, who often bear the brunt of these disparities. The challenge becomes more profound as they juggle work and family responsibilities. In this competitive landscape, it's imperative to recognize the advantages mothers have in taking on greater parenting responsibilities.

Boosting Magnetic Frequency Despite of Unfairness

Reflecting on my own journey, I made the tough decision to leave my favorite job, concert producer, several times to prioritize motherhood. At first, this felt profoundly unfair, igniting a struggle within me. Yet, as my parenting journey unfolded, I discovered a sense of fulfillment that I had never anticipated. Raising children is no small task, but the rewarding honors are all yours if you have had more commitment. In Japan, when someone got groundbreaking victory or prize, media rush to his or her mother for interview. You could experience the honor if only you do your best in parenting. How proud l was when I watched my daughter dancing in the center of the team, on a prestigious stage at the campus of her dream hi-ranking university.

Interestingly, my father chose not to give my brother his name. It was only given to me even in such male dominated country. Shogun like Ieyasu Tokugawa (徳川 家康) in Edo period and his predecessors only gave their name letter 家 to their sons. With that said, my parents’ way to name me is a reminder that while society or legacy may impose certain norms and pressures, we can carve our journeys based on our values and aspirations.

So, I recommend you to focus on the positives. I focused on gratitude for my name from my father, in stead of his male dominated attitudes towards me. By maintaining a positive outlook, we can harness the energy needed to reach our dreams. In nurturing this mindset, I believe we can create a high frequency to manifest what we need, allowing us to achieve our aspirations with more ease.

Today, on my birthday, I celebrate the treasures of wisdom I have encountered along the way. My journey as a mother, while challenging, has also been rich with lessons that have shaped me and my music into the status today. As I continue to navigate life, I carry my father’s gift—貴—reminding me that wisdom and treasure lie not just in achievements but in the love and responsibility we share with the world.