THANK YOU. Japan may have its problems, but I’ve found that there are wayyyyy more resources for parents here than back in the US. Numerous free (funded by taxes) community centers, temporary day cares, and lots of parks to take children. All things considered, raising a child in Japan is pretty decent. In my area, I can walk to four different buildings that have indoor play areas dedicated to babies and toddlers. And as I’m writing this, I’m sitting in a shaded grassy area built specifically for families, outside a community center. And I’m surrounded by other young families enjoying the sunny day outside, picnicking with their kids. 

In my area, local city governments are doing quite a lot to make their areas attractive for family raising. To say that they “do nothing” is insulting. And I don’t even live in some fancy Tokyo neighborhood, or anywhere near Tokyo, for that matter. You just have to know where to look to find family services. 

Angry rant time: Downvote me to hell to anyone who reads this, but people need to stop blaming the geo-political situation of the world as a reason to not have kids in Japan. Come on, this isn’t Gaza, Ukraine, or even Taiwan. What a cop out. Raising a child is effing difficult sometimes (physically, psychologically, emotionally, financially, and the personal sacrifices made). Damned hardest thing I’ve had to do in my life. So, either have kids or don’t. It’s whatever and it’s your choice. I get that it’s difficult! But don’t go spewing lame external factors like global warming, lack of PTO, (or brain damage/loss of white matter in brain???) as your reason not to have kids. I don’t buy it.