Directed by Rionne McAvoy, ‘The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan’ is an incredible documentary that delves deep into Japanese society, culture, and history to expose a side of Japan that many refuse to see. Bleak, ignored yet affecting real lives - the extreme hardships of single mothers living amidst hidden poverty in the world’s third-largest economy.
While the facts (15% of Japanese kids are in poverty, over 50% of single parent households also are) stated in the film make a persuasive case on their own, the real-life stories told by those directly affected; single mothers in Japan, experts on the problem and Japan itself, and children’s food cafeterias, are what genuinely help viewers understand the extent of this issue. It’s clear that the Japanese government can do more, and should be doing more.
McAvoy takes a harrowing look at the lives of single mothers in Japan who struggle to support their families and make ends meet, but he doesn’t paint them as victims. In fact, Rionne himself has told me on many occasions that he sees the mothers not as victims or women who people should feel sorry for, but as warriors. Rionne would know best as he himself is a martial arts and pro wrestling champion. He’s a warrior if I’ve ever seen one.
The documentary explains the problems and solutions in clear black and white. There are no grey zones in McAvoy’s work, and it’s about as neutral a stance as you can get. Neutral meaning, he doesn’t pander to the left or the right and that’s the Rionne that I know in real life too. There is also no room for bullshit and that’s exactly what this topic needs. McAvoy delivers.
I learnt so much by watching this film. For example, the concept of the nuclear family (two parents and children - where women are expected to take care of the home and children, while men are expected to be the breadwinners) is a new concept to Japan. It’s not the traditional Japanese family structure, but rather a post WWII American implant. The priceless stock footage alone is worth the price of admission and these amazing images must be kept alive and in the public view.
Single mothers, who are frequently divorced, deal with a variety of issues, such as non-regular (not fixed) low-paying jobs, a lack of government assistance, and a substantial wage disparity between men and women. Some of the women in the film who were interviewed tell the stories of mothers struggling to feed their families since they are unable to buy necessities like a bag of rice. Their situation is tragic and the film is powerful. I urge everyone with a good bone in their body to get behind the film and support it passionately. We owe it to society to do better, and Rionne‘s film is a big step in making people‘s lives just that little bit more easier.