The Dark Reality of Pregnancy in Japan’s Work Culture!

Added: 2026-05-27

[00:00:00]Did you know that for one in five working women in Japan, pregnancy isn't treated as something to celebrate? Yep.

[00:00:07]There have been many cases where women announced their pregnancy at work and were suddenly treated differently afterward. Some were pressured to quit, moved into worse positions, or made to feel like they were causing trouble for the company. In Japan, this problem even has a name, matahara, short for maternity harassment. For many women, the pressure becomes so strong that they eventually leave their jobs entirely after having children. And that's where the contradiction starts. While some workplaces make pregnancy feel like a burden, the Japanese government is simultaneously offering money, benefits, and support programs trying to convince people to have more kids. Japan wants higher birth rates. But many women feel like they have to choose between having a family and keeping their career.