My latest book, "Orienting: An Indian in Japan," has generated considerable interest in India. This is a testament, above all, to Japan's enduring cultural appeal as a travel destination. But many Indian readers have also expressed curiosity about the perceived low status of women in Japanese society.
This highlights how despite all the attraction of staple images like cherry blossoms and artful food, Japan suffers from a negative image when it comes to gender dynamics. In the World Economic Forum's annual Global Gender Gap Report 2020, Japan was ranked 121 -- the lowest of the advanced economies.
