The Modernization of Childbirth and the Indoctrination of Motherhood in Prewar Japan : the "Aiiku-son" Project of Imperial Gift Foundation "Aiiku-kai"

In preceding historical studies on the relation of childbirth and the state in modern Japan, the transformation of the institution and the measures about midwives, or the legal preparation for maternal-child health has been focused on. In this paper, the writer has attempted to show the modernization in childbirth by educational activity for motherhood, especially by the "Aiiku-son" (Aiiku village) project. The project started from 1936 in order to diminish the infant mortality rate all over the country. It was promoted by the Imperial Gift Foundation "Aiiku-kai" (Aiiku association), which was established for promoting education, health, and care of children and mothers in 1934. This paper has pointed out the following facts. Firstly, the policy for the promotion of domestic education by the Ministry of Education had an effect on the establishment of "Aiikukai". Secondly, its "Aiiku-son" project did not progress only "care for motherhood", but also "indoctrination of motherhood". Thirdly, the educational activity by the project was intended for the whole people in the villages as well as mothers or young women. Lastly, the way of childbirth was modernized thoroughly under the compelling power by the regional organizations and the public health nurses as their leaders