#Japan #Tokyo #Fertility Issues #Kanako Murakami #Tomoko Honda

Importance of Awareness and Support on Fertility Issues

On November 22, 2025, the Child and Family Agency hosted an online forum titled "Addressing Infertility and Reproductive Issues". Recognizing Japan's significant declining birthrate as a pressing social challenge, this event aimed to create a supportive environment for those experiencing infertility and reproductive health issues. The central theme of the forum was "The importance of knowing and understanding together".

The esteemed guests included Kanako Murakami, a newlywed figure skater, and Tomoko Honda, a freelance announcer who has shared her personal experiences with infertility treatments. They discussed fundamental questions like "Where should we start preparing for pregnancy?" and "How to navigate actions towards conception?" Each shared their insights on body preparation for pregnancy, balancing work, and mutual support within couples as they confronted uncertainties and concerns surrounding fertility.

The session was moderated by Junichi Tohsaka, a well-known freelance announcer. Medical professionals, including Dr. Nanako Iwami, director of Kamiyama Ladies Clinic, and Dr. Shiro Hirayama, head of Tokyo Reproductive Counseling Center, also joined the discussion. They imparted crucial knowledge regarding the current state of treatments and policies while emphasizing the importance of mental care and mutual support. The forum promoted the idea that knowing, discussing, and supporting each other creates a foundation of assurance, making it easier for everyone to take the first steps forward.

Steps for Preparing for Pregnancy with Kanako Murakami

The forum began with Kanako Murakami and Dr. Iwami discussing initial understandings surrounding pregnancy preparation and infertility. Dr. Iwami highlighted the importance of starting from knowledge, explaining female reproductive health, early signs of infertility, and the steps involved in fertility treatment. Kanako shared her experience stating, "Hearing about the various treatment options inspired me to consider trying them out". This marked a pivotal moment for her in seeing "pregnancy preparation" and "infertility treatment" as personal affairs.

Tomoko Honda's Approach to Confronting Anxiety about Pregnancy Preparation

Tomoko Honda took to the stage next, recalling her firsthand experiences with infertility. "After two years of cherishing our time as a couple, we faced challenges in conceiving and began our fertility treatments. The surrounding pressure was to start treatment as soon as possible, which diminished my fears," she said. She candidly talked about purchasing numerous pregnancy tests and searching social media for effective products, revealing that she once picked up a discarded test to analyze it repeatedly.

Reflecting on her emotional journey, Tomoko urged men by saying, "Please be supportive!" Meanwhile, Dr. Hirayama elaborated on the anxiety surrounding infertility as it contrasts with societal perceptions of pregnancy being a natural occurrence. He noted that feelings of apprehension are normal reactions to unexpected situations but emphasized the importance of establishing discussions between partners to align their understanding and experiences.

Cherishing Positive Moments During Treatment

The discussion then turned to how Tomoko and Kanako, alongside the doctors, reflected on their experiences with infertility treatments. When asked about their starting points, Tomoko responded, "Understanding my body was my first step. I went to the hospital alone and shared the results with my partner, who had limited knowledge on the subject. Yet, it felt supportive to have him willing to learn alongside me, and we gained a deeper understanding of our treatment together."

Junichi reflected on his experience, indicating that his doctor emphasized that fertility treatment is a collective effort for couples, which resonated with the audience.

Tomoko also shared the strains of physical and emotional stress encountered during treatment, considering long wait times and the exhaustion of hopeful tests. She developed personal methods for positive reinforcement, like taking time to enjoy her favorite tea during breaks, which helped her redirect her focus to the happiness and moments at hand.

In response, Dr. Hirayama elucidated that while looking to the future stimulates anxiety, focusing on the present and the active steps made to receive treatment balances emotional health. He praised Tomoko for her positive methods in facing challenges head-on.

Reflecting on Triggers for Thinking About Parenthood

In the latter half of the forum, an audience-participation segment was introduced regarding "The moment you thought about having children". Participants chose from options like being inspired by friends’ births or discussing future plans with a partner. Both Kanako and Tomoko noted that their thoughts took shape upon getting married, with Tomoko summarizing, "Marriage signifies creating a family, so that was when I began to consider children seriously."

Interestingly, many participants selected the option of feeling no particular trigger, which highlighted a prevalent subconscious belief that pregnancy would naturally occur. Dr. Iwami reiterated the significance of this finding, suggesting that a medical consultation could set the stage for when the moment to conceive arrives.

Confronting Anxiety and Determining Personal Choices

The discussion also covered various concerns that couples dealing with infertility face, including the burden of treatment and the stress of comparisons. Both Kanako and Tomoko expressed feeling overwhelmed by multiple anxieties and recognized the diverse emotional landscapes surrounding pregnancy preparation.

Dr. Hirayama discussed the necessity of openly consulting with medical professionals instead of letting apprehensions escalate through unverified online sources, while Dr. Iwami stressed that understanding the potential for change in fertility due to career variances is essential. Conversations with partners about their values were highlighted as critical components in all decisions involving fertility.

Moving Towards Informed Choices

As the forum drew to a close, the final discussion centered on making informed personal choices amid treatment. Tomoko reflected on the need for patience and thorough communication with doctors, experiences highlighting the necessity of understanding one’s body and accepting challenges.

Kanako emphasized the complexity of balancing career aspirations with family planning, and the importance of accepting downtime to maintain wellbeing. Data from the audience suggested that clear communication and shared decision-making among partners were vital for navigating these circumstances.

Overall, Dr. Hirayama left participants with a message of hope, reminding them that achieving parenthood is increasingly common, with a significant percentage of births stemming from IVF solutions. The forum's conclusion highlighted the necessity of encouraging discussion among couples about fertility in a supportive and informative context. Junichi wrapped up the event, underscoring the significance of facing uncertainties around infertility together with family, friends, and specialists, fostering a community that supports collective growth and understanding.