Work-life Balance of Thai Women Married to Japanese Men

Abstract

This article examines the work-life balance of Thai women who are married to Japanese men and live with them in Japan. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten Thai women from Northeastern Thailand, all of whom have at least a bachelor’s degree and left their jobs to marry Japanese men for reasons of love and improved living conditions. The study focuses on five key aspects of work-life balance: work, family, time, finances, and the wisdom to be able to keep the first four aspects in a state of equilibrium. Findings reveal that after marriage and childbirth, these women primarily fulfill traditional roles as mothers and homemakers, with less emphasis on the role of daughter-in-law. Their work-life balance shifts as childcare and household duties take precedence over their personal and professional life. Most of the women manage nuclear families and balance intensive childcare routines similar to those of Japanese mothers, including preparing meals, managing school activities, and attending to their children’s needs. Financially, Thai wives receive household budgets and child allowances, enabling them to focus on family care. Their proficiency in Japanese also helps them navigate life in Japan. However, because of their husbands’ long working hours, they struggle with time management, shouldering most of the family responsibilities alone. While they appreciate weekends with their husbands, they desire more shared involvement in childcare. The study highlights the challenges that Thai wives face in adapting to a different culture without extended family support. They express pride in managing their households, but stress the importance of learning Japanese for life satisfaction. Many plan to return to work once their children are older.