Changes in the Roles of Women and Elderly Persons within Oyster Aquaculture in Japan

Women and elderly persons play an important role in the oyster aquaculture industry of Japan. Oysters are largely sold in shucked form in Japan and both women and elderly persons are involved in this process of shucking. They represent one reason for the survival of this small-scale aquaculture industry. But as workers age, the speed at which they can shuck the shells decreases and they are more likely to damage the oyster meat. Of late, owners of these businesses have been observed to generally employ young Chinese workers. This paper presents the changes in the roles of women and elderly persons within the oyster aquaculture sector in Japan caused by the entry of Chinese workers.