Bob's Bullets - 'The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan' is a compelling documentary
From legendary author Robert Whiting
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TOKYO — Kudos to Rionne McAvoy for his impressive documentary film, “The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan,” which sheds light on a seldom-discussed subject in Japan. McAvoy is a filmmaker from Australia’s Gold Coast who is also a professional wrestler and martial artist with expertise in karate, kickboxing, and aikido. His film is a searing look at the lives of single mothers in Japan who struggle to make ends meet and provide for their families.
The film highlights the fact that in Japan, the traditional family structure places the burden of childcare and household duties on women while men are expected to be the breadwinners. Single mothers, who are usually divorcees, face a host of challenges, including low-paying jobs, a lack of government aid, and a significant pay gap between men and women. Some of the women interviewed in the film are unable to purchase basic necessities like a bag of rice and struggle to put food on the table for their families. Their plight is heartbreaking.
McAvoy’s documentary is the first of its kind and is a must-see for anyone interested in the struggles of single mothers in Japan. As McAvoy notes, raising a child alone is difficult no matter where you live, but single mothers in Japan face particular challenges due to the country’s lack of joint custody and the stigma surrounding poverty.
“Since World War II, Japan has grown to be one of the wealthiest countries in the world,” McAvoy says. “It boasts modern buildings, clean streets and is home to some of the richest people on Earth. Yet, Japan’s poverty rate has consistently risen for the past 30 years, reaching 16.3 percent in 2017, and a whopping 56% of single-parent homes in which the parent is working live in poverty. However, the country still appears to be healthy and thriving. This dissonance between facts and appearances is due to the stigma surrounding poverty in Japan. Rather than admit to being poor, many people in Japan mask their financial needs hoping not to draw attention to themselves.”
"The Ones Left Behind" is McAvoy’s second film, and his first documentary. It is a testament to his skill as a filmmaker. The documentary is professionally made, educational, and emotionally moving. It deserves a wide audience. Renowned Japanologist Jeff Kingston of Temple University also provides insightful commentary on the subject throughout the film.
Overall, “The Ones Left Behind” is an important and timely film that sheds light on a critical issue in Japan. It is clear that McAvoy is a talented filmmaker, and I am excited to see what he does next.