Oya, or parent-child relationships in Japan, are an important part of the culture and society. It is derived from the word “oya” which means “parent” and can also mean “teacher” or even “mentor” depending on the situation. Oya plays an important role in society as well as within families themselves by providing guidance when making decisions, teaching values such as respect for others, offering emotional support and more. Different types of oya relationships exist based on age and family dynamics, with many benefits associated with having strong oya relationships including improved self-esteem & confidence levels amongst young people along with providing emotional support during difficult times. Establishing strong & healthy oya relationships should always be encouraged whenever possible.