Page:A handbook of modern Japan (IA handbookofmodern01clem).pdf/239

Rh "In no respect has modern progress in Japan made greater strides than in the improvement of the position of women. Though she still labors under certain disabilities, a woman can now become the head of a family and exercise authority as such; she can inherit and own property and manage it herself; she can exercise parental authority; if single, or a widow, she can adopt; she is one of the parties to adoption effected by her husband, and her consent in addition to that of her husband is necessary to the adoption of her child by another person; she can act as guardian or curator; and she has a voice in family councils."

Moreover, although it is true that for the performance of certain acts (Art. 14) a wife must obtain her husband's permission, and that a wife's acts may be annulled by her husband (Art. 120), yet it is explicitly stated that "a wife who has been permitted to engage in one or more businesses possesses in regard thereto the capacity of an independent person."

But let us look a little more particularly into the provisions relating to marriage, divorce, etc. The marriageable age is 17 full years for men and 15 full years for women. Marriage takes effect when notice of the fact is given to a registrar, by both parties with two witnesses. From this it will appear that the ceremony is a "purely social function, having no connection whatsoever with law beyond the somewhat remote contingency of its being adducible as