Extra: Akiko Ueno

In My Year of Meats, Akiko Ueno is like a 2nd character. Akiko was asked to fill up a questionaire about the show her husband, "John" aka Joichi Ueno, host a new show, My American Wife. She were asked to prepare the Meat of the week for dinner.
Akiko had stopped her menstruation and she won't be able to get pregnant. Plus, she is too thin and pale. So, John decided to fatten her by making her to eat meat. Through out the story we can see that Akiko was abused and raped by John and how relieved she felt when John was away from home.

Every time after dinner, Akiko would sneak into the toilet and throw up everything. One day after Akiko went for a checked up and told John about her problem, John was mad and beat her up.

After every show of My American Wife directed by Jane, Akiko learned a lot and this changed her life. For example, Dyanne and Lara, the vegitarian lesbians, made Akiko admire their bravery "to have their family against all odds. And tears of pity for herself... She wanted a child; she'd never wanted John" (Ozeki 181)

Akiko's period came after she ate the lamb she made after watching Christina's show. She did not tell John, but ever since then she started to get manicure and put on pretty dresses; She tried to make John make love to her but John was incapable.

John was furious when he found out Akiko's fax from the dictionary. He beat up Akiko and raped her when he was drunk. Akiko end up in the hospital after she fainted in the bathroom for loosing too much blood. When Akiko recovered, she found out she was pregnant and she decided to leave John without saying anything. Akiko visited Jane, Grace and stayed with Dyanne and Lara until she give birth to her baby.

Compare: Akiko's life show the modern Japanese feminism. She is strong and independent unlike the Japanese in the old days whom obey whatever their husband says. They have no power or no freedom to speak up at hime and men are always the Head of the House.

Day 1: Women as seen in My Year of Meats

What is the first thing you think about when you hear the word "women"?


- Mother. Loving and care.
- Clever than men.
- Pornography.
- Gossipers
- Not good with computers and cell phone.

Jane
- Relationships and sex.
- Independent and strong.
- Have a friendly smile.
- Pregnant

Akiko
- Powerless in the old days.
- Obey their husband.
- No studies. Uneducated.
- Cannot learn or read.
- Respect.
- Good cook.
- Shy and quiet.