Japanese Culture: Family

A traditional high class household usually will consist of something called succession. Succession is when on male offspring who is to succeed or take over the family's headship. His responsibilities would include taking care of his parents as they come of old age, direction of labor of the household and management of the household as well. If the current successor of the household were to die, the next in line heir of the family takes takes the property, which reflects the institutional demands of the family

The "Ei" is referred to the household way. It is a patriarchal household, which means males have the most power within it. It is considered to consist is grandparents, their son, his wife, and their children. 98% of Japanese households select a male as the head of the family. A female can be selected if she is making income and the husband is not.

Arranged marriages are also very common, but more common in upper class families. They believe that "romantic love cannot be counted on". They arrange a marriage with their son or daughter, to another higher class member of another family. They do this for financial and economic advantages for the family.