I gave birth in Japan ask me anything

[Manjuu]

I’ve enjoyed reading the “I live in Japan” thread and like the OP I live in Japan and DH is Japanese. I’ve lived here for almost 15 years.

I’ve only ever given birth in Japan so I’m interested to see how things are different to back home in the UK. So...hit me with your questions on giving birth, childcare customs, life here in Japan - whatever you like.

Yes I'll try John Lewis, thank you

Such an interesting thread!

They must be bemused at our laissez-faire attitude to pregnancy weight gain. I have several friends that gain considerably more than 10kg.

Sorry - missed all these comments!

Regarding the gifts, I agree with the marmalade/jam etc. Also posh biscuits or crackers from M&S or somewhere like that. English tea is always a winner. Just put them in gift bags and that’s fine, I think. Don’t be surprised if the host doesn’t open the presents straight away. They might put them aside and open them alone. It’s considered bad manners to rip into presents straight away here (too eager and grabby maybe?!).

I’ve never heard of anyone going to the gym straight after giving birth! Sitting on a bike sounds like a really bad idea 😅

The charge for fathers to be in the delivery room was the equivalent of a couple of hundred pounds if I remember correctly. Also only the father allowed. We didn’t bother the second time round :-)

This thread is ace. I love reading about Japan and would love to visit one day.
How do they treat fat people? My friend said some people stared at her in amazement when she went. She weighed 22 stone. I'm big myself and wouldn't be able to sit on the floor for too long

What's the weirdest/strangest experience you've had there?

Are there really bending machines with used knickers in?

Vending that should be

Brilliant, thank you!

There are simply fewer overweight people here. There is a huge amount of social pressure here for women to be slim and “feminine”. Also company employees have to have a thorough health-check each year and weight gain will be flagged up as a problem and employees offered counselling or further advice from a doctor. The health checks are mandatory so they can’t really be escaped.

Weirdest experience? I’m not sure to be honest. I’ve been to a host club before (back when I was young and single!)and that was an interesting experience. Love hotels is another one! Been interviewed on tv a few times as a token foreigner. I’ve stayed in capsule hotels a few times but I’m not sure that counts as being weird!

I have never seen a used knickers vending machine but I’ve no doubt they exist! If you go into the countryside you can sometimes see places with all kinds of porn-related vending machines - DVDs, magazines,etc.

I find it weird that you can buy cigarettes and alcohol alongside your medicines at pharmacies! There are so many things here that probably seem weird to outsiders that I’ve just got used to seeing.

Oo love this thread.
Just place marking to come back and ask questions.