Bob's Bullets - 'The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan' is a compelling documentary
TOKYO — Kudos to Rionne McAvoy for his impressive documentary film, “The Ones Left Behind: The Plight of Single Mothers in Japan,” which sheds light on a seldom-discussed subject in Japan. McAvoy is a filmmaker from Australia’s Gold Coast who is also a professional wrestler and martial artist with expertise in karate, kickboxing, and aikido. His film is a searing look at the lives of single mothers in Japan who struggle to make ends meet and provide for their families.
The film highlights the fact that in Japan, the traditional family structure places the burden of childcare and household duties on women while men are expected to be the breadwinners. Single mothers, who are usually divorcees, face a host of challenges, including low-paying jobs, a lack of government aid, and a significant pay gap between men and women. Some of the women interviewed in the film are unable to purchase basic necessities like a bag of rice and struggle to put food on the table for their families. Their plight is heartbreaking.
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