Perceptions of Cultural Norms and Gender Identity Among Japanese University Students

This study explores how Japanese university students perceive the influence of cultural norms on their gender identity. Previous research shows that traditional expectations, such as ryōsai kenbo, continue to shape gender roles in Japan (Koyama, 2012), while modern educational programs can help young people develop more inclusive perspectives (Egitim, 2024). Using an open-ended questionnaire, this study collected responses from 35 students of different nationalities and analyzed the data through qualitative content analysis. The findings indicate that traditional gender norms still strongly influence students’ daily experiences, while female participants often feel more pressure in offline situations than online ones. Participants also emphasized the need for stronger institutional support and safer spaces for discussing gender. These results support earlier studies showing that cultural norms and social expectations continue to affect both self-expression and identity development among young people in Japan (Brinton, 2023). Overall, this research highlights the tension between traditional and modern values and suggests that universities can play an important role in promoting more inclusive and supportive learning environments.