With the end of high growth in the Japanese economy, the women of Japan face a new challenge. Many of them have to be breadwinners as well as homemakers. The purpose of this study was to analyze and to synthesize the life course plans of contemporary Japanese women from essays written by junior college students. A typical woman of this sample would like to marry in her 20s and combine work and home. She would also like to achieve a sense of self-worth through working outside home and earning her own income. Findings and their implications, including the educational importance of the present study, are discussed. (Contains 1 table.)