In Japanese society, it is difficult for women to undertake ascetic practices. Firstly, traditional teachings and practices such as go-shō (the five obstacles) and ketsue (the notion of blood as pollution) are mobilized to prevent women from entering sacred spaces and states. Secondly, if the woman is married, she will immediately be met by major barriers to the completion of her ascetic training. This creates the challenge of maintaining the role of housewife at home whilst also undertaking ascetic training. In contrast, male practitioners are less likely to encounter such problems, even if they have a family life. There is an asymmetry at play based on gender differences: this becomes clear through applying an understanding of gender dynamics to the issues at hand.

This paper critically examines how folk studies and folk religious studies have depicted female religious people, including female ascetic practitioners. It will then discuss the need for an awareness of gender dynamics to be cultivated by researchers and religious authorities, and will consider the possibility of achieving gender equality in religious groups.