The Glass Ceiling for Gilded Grannies

Japan is a country where age and social status can be significant assets in navigating its complex social hierarchy. However, when elderly women like Dewi Sukarno use their privilege to engage in bad behavior, questions arise about accountability.

Dewi Sukarno, the 86-year-old wife of former Indonesian president Sukarno and a Japanese TV personality, is facing charges for assaulting two women: her former assistant and manager. Prosecutors claim she threw a champagne glass at one woman at a Tokyo restaurant in February last year and physically attacked another at an animal hospital in October.

The case has been ongoing since June, when Dewi admitted to the charges and expressed regret over her behavior. Now, prosecutors are seeking a fine of 200,000 yen (about $1,600) against her. This relatively light penalty seems inconsistent with the severity of the incidents involving a woman who was once one of Japan’s most high-profile celebrities.

The Privilege of Age

The double standard at play in Japan when it comes to age and social status is evident in this case. As people get older, their behavior becomes increasingly excused or dismissed as “that’s just what old people do.” This can be particularly problematic for women, who are often expected to be self-sacrificing and accommodating throughout their lives.

Dewi Sukarno’s age and fame may have contributed to a sense of impunity. Her ability to admit to the charges with such nonchalance raises questions about the message this sends to others in similar situations.

A Pattern of Leniency

Japan is no stranger to scandals involving high-profile women, but when they’re elderly and well-connected, something peculiar happens. The press coverage often focuses on their “regret” or “apology,” without scrutinizing the underlying issues or structural problems that led to these incidents in the first place.

The case of actress Yoshino Takamizawa is a notable example. In 2018, she was convicted of assaulting a woman at an airport at the age of 71 and still active in her career. She received only a suspended sentence, with the court deeming her actions “inexcusable” but “understandable,” given her age.

Accountability and Justice

As Dewi Sukarno’s case continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the justice system handles it. Will the fine be reduced further due to her age and social status? Or will the court finally start to address the systemic issues that enable such behavior in the first place?

This is not just a question for Japan; it’s also one for the rest of us who care about fairness, accountability, and justice. How do we balance compassion with consequence when dealing with aging individuals who may be struggling with their own demons? What does this say about our collective values regarding age, power, and privilege?

The outcome will depend on how willing Japanese prosecutors are to challenge these entrenched social norms. The eyes of the world will undoubtedly be watching, as they often are when it comes to Japan’s handling of its high-profile scandals.

In a country where “honne” (outside self) and “tatemae” (inside self) create a facade of respectability, it’s time for Japan to confront the uncomfortable truth: even with fame and fortune, some actions are simply unacceptable.