Understanding Legal Culture through the Intersection of Law, Culture and Gender - An Example from Japanese Family Law

This article discusses the concept of 'legal culture' in relation to the concept of 'intersectionality', deriving from legal gender studies.' First, I discuss the concept of intersectionality and the way it can be used to support the outcome of legal culture. I then illustrate this approach using an example from Japanese family law. Secondly, a short comparative discussion on Japanese, German and Swiss 'marriage contracts' (so called pre-nuptial contracts) shows how matters are dealt with differently. Thirdly, I consider Japanese marriage contracts - or rather the fact that there are no marriage contracts more deeply from a legal, cultural and gender perspective. Using this example, I conclude with my findings on legal culture through the intersection of law, gender and culture as well as with some comprehensive remarks regarding the concept of legal culture.