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JAPAN: SEXISM OK WITH MOST COEDS
By Emily Thornton

(FORTUNE Magazine) – Feminism has a way to go in Japan. A survey of female seniors attending 561 universities and junior colleges in the Tokyo area shows that coeds not only expect sexism in the workplace, most of them don't seem to mind it. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government surveyed 5,000 female students on what they anticipate when they start their first full-time jobs in April. Fully 3,783 responded. Among the surprising answers: -- More than 91% said they would not mind being treated as ''office flowers.'' Nearly 25% considered that to be a woman's role.

-- Over 66% said acting like an office flower would make the atmosphere more pleasant. -- Nearly 27% thought women are better at such zatsuyoo, or chores, as serving tea and cleaning desks. -- Nearly 12% said they were content sticking to such traditional jobs as flight attendant and office lady. Moreover, 60% said they'd be happy in a situation where the man goes to work while the woman stays home. But a wish for sexual equality showed in some of the young women's answers. For example, 56% thought men should do their share of office chores. Fatalism affects opinions too, if Hosei University student Miki Tokoh, 23, is at all typical. She was not interviewed for the survey but says, ''If my boss were to call me an office flower, I'd probably just follow along. I'd hope to change things a little. But it's just so difficult.''