Japanese health minister Hakuo Yanagisawa is facing massive criticism after referring to women as “birth giving machines”. He deserves the rap.
But, dear Mr. Yanagisawa, why don’t you just look to Scandinavia to find out how to make it better for families with children?

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John

John,

I couldn't agree more with you. One of my best friends is Japanese and we have been chatting about this lots of times. She is just so definite that she will never have children. There is no way I can go on having a career in Japan if I have children, she claims. I have tried to say that there must be some modern men who will let her continue working. But she insists that wouldn't help a bit because the whole society is built around the woman staying home after couple have children.

Good piece!

Michelle

Why do you Westerners always think you should impose your values on Asia. I am sure you are happy with your policies in Scandinavia, John, but please, keep them there. They would never work in an Asian country like Japan! History is different, values are different, the whole culture is different!