When a couple is ready to have children but there is an infertility issue with the father-to-be that prevents normal conception, in this day and age they have a number of options to consider. Artificial insemination from an anonymous donor is one route to take, as is as adoption. Or here’s another approach–if you’re the mother, how about getting pregnant through in vitro fertilization with a sperm donation from your husband’s father?
For this article, we’ll be taking a slightly more serious tone than usual as we explore that very issue and the current controversy surrounding it. It’s become the topic of intense debate in Japan over the past few days after new details about the practice emerged from a maternity clinic in Nagano Prefecture. Join us as we introduce the facts and examine some of the ethics involved through reader opinions.
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Tiny house by Muji finally goes on sale in Japan
Kagoshima conveyor belt sushi chain Mekkemon rises above the rest with its special secret weapon
Japan’s new difficult-to-drink-from beer glass protects your liver, but it’s a brutal experience
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
Godzilla-shaped ice cream on sale in Tokyo near the sight his most adorable rampage
More people in Japan quit sending New Year’s cards and many have started to regret it
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Kagoshima conveyor belt sushi chain Mekkemon rises above the rest with its special secret weapon
Japan’s new difficult-to-drink-from beer glass protects your liver, but it’s a brutal experience
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
Godzilla-shaped ice cream on sale in Tokyo near the sight his most adorable rampage
More people in Japan quit sending New Year’s cards and many have started to regret it
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Snake
Viral 3D ice creams land in Japan… but are they worth the hype?
The mystery destination of the SoraNews24 end-of-year party left us speechless
Rumors say Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple sticks you with bad fortunes, so we bought 100 to find out
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
Spirited Away bath herbs now available at Ghibli exhibition in Japan
Put your kitsune up! BABYMETAL is set to dominate the world with ‘dangerous kawaii’【Interview】
We spill the tea–a guide to all of Japan’s Gogo no Kocha Milk Teas sold in the wintertime