Childless

Many big cities seem to lack a strong representation of children amongst their populations. I guess metropolitan areas in particular are not deemed ideal environments for the youth. It was something I noticed almost instantly upon my arrival in Tokyo - not so many under the age of about 18 or so. It all felt very adult to me, especially considering I had barely just become one myself. Lately though, it seems that more kids seem to be coming out of the woodwork so to speak - in places, times and with people you wouldn't usually expect....

Tokyo is still an adult's world though - in the inner city, you see very few things for kids to do. It's just concrete building after concrete building, and the odd park which usually consists of a patch of grass – and if you're lucky, maybe a swing or two. Not exactly a kid-friendly environment and this hasn't changed over the years.

The children that you do see around are not very child-like at all. They look like children and sound like children, but their immaculate behavior and confidence is very, well, mature. You rarely see kids, even the youngest of children, playing on the train – getting　 into mischief, or having a tantrum when they're with their parents. Likewise when they are on their own, it's as if they take over the adult responsibility of looking after themselves. The best example I have seen of this, was a 7 year old sitting happily on the train on her way to school - in her cute little uniform, complete with cute little hat. She also had a full-sized newspaper stretched out in front of her. I can't imagine she was actually reading anything, but she certainly looked interested. I couldn't take my eyes off her - it was like I was witnessing an adult in a child's body.

Children are also being increasingly brought in to the city, but as part of an "adult outing". In complexes such as Roppongi Hills or the area of Omotesando, more and more children are showing up with their parents and their adult friends. I'm not sure how interested these kids are in all of the stores catering to adult fashion, but perhaps the new environment simply provides new stimulus and scenery? You even see children at the movies, you would deem more suitable for the adult audience, and at times, I would perceive to be past their bedtimes.

Businesses have started catering to this trend that sees children being increasingly in an adult environment or experimenting with being an adult. Kidzania, a new amusement park for children, is one such example. Here they seem to offer children the opportunity to experience real-life adult professions in realistic environments (including scenery, uniforms, props, etc, etc). This place basically takes the old game of "Drs & Nurses" or "Cops & Robbers" to a whole new level....

With adults playing such a key role in determining a child's daily life, it's difficult to decipher whether this demand is driven by the children themselves; wanting to be part of the adult world, or indeed the adults, wanting company there. It is also interesting to consider the often child-like interests of many of the adults here - the Hello Kitty fascination amongst women in their 30's a prime such example.

It seems ultimately Japan is in a phase of experimentation. With more choice than ever before, people want to try new things. Also, new parents, not wanting to be versions of their stricter and authoritative own parents, are approaching parenthood as more of a role as friend and supporter. The implications for society are thus huge, but while I embrace those parents wanting to have stronger relationships with their kids, I also admit to cringing a bit when I see young ones out late hanging out at restaurants or around town with their parents. Besides, whether or not a metropolis like Tokyo supports it well or not, you are only young once....