Susan Elizabeth-Marsh Tanabe comments

Our previous insurance (in the US) as well as the organization we now use (Kaiser Permanente) included such checks as covered and needed for cancer early detection. At least a decade before 2024, our doctors and radiologists have reported for those with dense breast tissue. YES, the extra screening SHOULD be covered by all insurance providers.

A bit absurd, actually. Most shirts available from traditional menswear sources like LL Bean, Ralph Lauren, Lands End, Brooks Brothers, etc. are "non-iron". Rather than this, buy a small DRYER (i know, Japanese hate them but hey, quite practical especially on rainy or cold days) for not much more than this. Toss in a few shirts for 20-30 min, and you're golden.

“The entire family was home that day”. An entire family… the father was home. Blaming us too easy perhaps however this man could not see that his life partner was cracking under pressure? Perhaps he could have done a bit more parenting (play, feed, dress, etc.) ? We know Japanese hospitals and nurses educate moms carefully in the prenatal months and during the first year… but dads are just left out, not depended upon, not part of the mix. Heartbreaking, at any rate.

Excellent article. Vital conclusion with supporting statements by a qualified author.

“Accentuate the Positive”, a swing hit from the 1940s WWII era, was one of my mother’s favorites which she often sang to us. It stuck! Four optimistic, highly educated, happy, hardworking grown children with grown children and grands of our own. Faith and positivity go a long way toward supporting mental and physical health.

Tragic and so easily prevented. More elevators, please, and clear signage (though it should not be needed, actually) for all with mobility issues to please USE THE ELEVATOR.

I'd venture to say most who state "Japanese have been very helpful!" are not Asian. Being an obvious non=

Japanese makes people far more likely to offer help, or agree to help.

Koinobori are happily flown outside the homes of children, all children, not only the homes of boys.

Melon soda! Natsukashii~~~

As summers grow warmer, I celebrate all the wintry weather we can get. A good freeze is desperately needed each winter. Snow is quite welcome.

Around the world one trustworthy proof of educational excellent is the IB (International Baccalsureate) program. Schools must prove and continue to prove their excellence to remain involved with IB. Students can choose to take specific courses or earn a full IB diploma. Public schools around the world offer this. When searching for a school, hone in on IB schools and search there first.

Back in the 1980s (?) someone suggested using "daburu", double, rather than half. It is indeed what people are who have a wide gene pool, wide variety of experiences, and often open minds. I do wish "daburu" had caught on.

Husband lived and studied in Kawagoe many years. I lived in Suginami-ku and studied in Kawagoe, then lived in Kawagoe a few years. 25 years after leaving, oldest son returned to live and work there. Daughter has lived and studied there. All five of us visit annually. I especially enjoy strolling Kita-In temple and the 800 mink sculpture garden, as well as the historic downtown, click tower (and nearby Mrs. Hamburger), Festival Museum, Sweet Street, etc. for a decade we visited the wonderfully created John Lennon Museum in Saitama Shintoshin, however from the onset Yoko Ono had said it’d only exist for a decade. Still miss it.

These are mostly bought by kids ages 10-25, Japanese and travellers. Why would that bother anyone? Hello Kitty is as popular now as ever, with children, teens, and adults into their "golden years". No harm no foul.

@falseflagsteve, Wha...?!?!? Male humans do not like BAUMKUCHEN? Malarkey. Tell that to most of Germany, Austria, and hell... even Japan. Open your mind.

As if shokupan is not SOFT enough already! We love French Toast, however it is originally and best made with slightly stale bread, otherwise it is too soft. As one often puts jam on maple syrup on French Toast, added sugar (ice cream) is not needed. Thick bread, with a good amount of fiber, makes the best French Bread!

Why is no responsibility expected of the father? Women do not get pregnant alone. It is absurd to see her suffer and be punished, yet he is without any repercussion.

Why is no responsibility expected of the father? Women do not get pregnant alone. It is absurd to see her suffer and be punished, yet he is without any repercussion.

Have kept our LPs. Our three have solid collections as well. Our sons' bands have released some of their albums on vinyl -- sells quite well!

Every few years since first arriving in 1977 I think Japan is truly joining the modern world… than I read an article or experience a setback or hear of another being harassed at her workplace, and I realize we are far from it. OB politicians and their influence keep parental leave, gender equity, marriage equality and other issues just a dream for most. Though some municipalities are doing well, national strength and consistency are needed.

I am in a rather unique situation as one who has given birth in both Japan and the US, in highly efficient hospitals with professional care and good insurance. Aside from the obvious problem, that the US has far too many residents without access to that excellent health care due to a lack of insurance, one other dramatic difference is vital: prenatal care. In Japan, when the pregnancy test is positive one immediately registers (or is registered) for prenatal care. It is frequent, consistent, and has the aim of delivering a healthy child and keeping the mother healthy as well. Every issue is discussed and plans are carefully made for the birth and post-natal care. The US is superior to Japan in allowing/encouraging parental leave (though that leave is too often unpaid and far shorter than most other "developed" nations), however regarding preparation for the physical needs of the infant and mother Japan is far ahead.

This is shocking and disappointing. When preparing for the arrival of our first born in 1984, we spoke with a few hospitals. It was not easy, however my Japanese husband was allowed to be in the birthing room. He was also with me during contractions and afterward, with our son. This has been the norm in many nations for decades. Only NOW is this becoming an acceptable step? Astounding! I suppose I congratulate Japan on finally doing the right thing, however I am concerned this might be limited to Tokyo. Truly disappointing.

What about.... the young couples who mindfully chose to live in smaller communities? They are already there, inspiring and motivating others to stay, or to try it anew. They have struggles specific to smaller town life. Might they not have some financial benefit/tax cut/bonus?

@Jack, I believe those four women are Latina or AfroLatina. Certainly Asians do live in these nations, especially Peru, however I wonder how you have learned these women are Asian. Was that information in an article, elsewhere?

This young woman's actions are despicable, disgusting, inhuman... and at 19, a teen parent, she was likely too young to be a parent. HOWEVER we must also ask WHERE was the father? Is he in the child's life at all? Why are women forced to take on this sort of responsibility when the father has NO burden? And the child suffers most of all. Sad.

Yrral --not sure of your point however in Japan once anything is set out as garbage it is common for others to take a look and take an item (or two, or more) home. This amount of gomi is a bit frightening, as some as said perhaps one of the residents is unwell.

Testing and masks? No one minds. The requirement to be with a guide based in Japan, always? Definitely keeping thousands away. Many teachers and guides in the US, Oz, the UK, Canada, etc. etc. take groups to Japan regularly and are perfectly capable of keeping the rules while there. It is insulting to infer non-Japanese are more likely to spread CoVid and are incapable of guiding a group in Japan. Drop that requirement!

kaimycahl, spot on. Incentives, a signing bonus, a bonus for continuing in a job, all are rather new to North American workers yet they are becoming more common. College grads in North America are being courted by corporations and firms of all types, schools (quite the teacher shortage), hotels, companies large and small, etc. etc. Whether in Japan or North America, the job one obtains immediately after school is rarely the exact thing one hoped to find and will keep for one's entire career. In North America it is said adults will change their job five times during their careers. Change, by the way, is NOT necessarily a bad thing.

Interesting. This is according to Google searches... not reality. In reality the US warmly accepts thousands of immigrants and refugees daily and has for many years. Young people in the US are often interested in a move to Japan, and many have tried it, however the reality does not reflect that "Japan is #1". Particularly not at this time, when even sincere and well-prepared visitors are not accepted to visit! Japan, work on this! And yes, I think it'd be grand to welcome more to live in Japan!

How very absurd that Japanese can travel freely yet travellers from safe nations with steady CoVid numbers, and low hospitalization/death, are not allowed to travel TO Japan. Test all you like, require masks, but allow travel! Japan's reputation AND economy are both suffering.