Rowan Hooper makes a good observation in his Feb. 16 article "Stem-cell leap defied Japanese norms." But I think this is also a cultural issue in which Haruko Obokata herself is given more importance than what she does.
It is natural that she is getting so much attention as a scientific pioneer. If news about her can inspire a generation of Japanese women to aspire to successful careers while leading normal lives, that is something we should rejoice in. It would help break the stereotype that both a successful career and a normal life are not attainable.
If marketers of kappogi (the apron that Obokata is said to wear instead of a lab coat) use her popularity to increase sales, they should send her a share of the profits that she can use for research. That would also be a way of encouraging her. For the public's part, we should let her concentrate on scaling new heights and enjoy her private life.
The opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are the writer's own and do not necessarily reflect the policies of The Japan Times.
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