The act of raising a child is never easy. Some countries offer parents enough rights and protections to make childcare a bit less of a burden, but the struggles and uncertainties that come with supporting another tiny human should never be disregarded.
That being said, everyone’s favorite opinionated Japanese blogger, Madame Riri, has a few things to say about how raising children in Japan is “ten times more difficult” than it is in foreign countries. Keep in mind that Madame Riri has only ever traveled to France and does not actually have any children of her own. But who knows? Perhaps there’s some truth buried beneath the mounds of limited observation, hearsay, and conjecture!

7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
This fancy Shibuya hamburg shop is perfect for fans of Salisbury steak and…Ramen Jiro?
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Visit Kiki’s Bakery at a unique fairytale village in Japan
Coca-Cola Japan brings out clear lime Coke with former gravure idol as their poster girl
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
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
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
This fancy Shibuya hamburg shop is perfect for fans of Salisbury steak and…Ramen Jiro?
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Visit Kiki’s Bakery at a unique fairytale village in Japan
Coca-Cola Japan brings out clear lime Coke with former gravure idol as their poster girl
How much money should you give children for New Year’s otoshidama? Adults weigh in
Ultra-premium matcha, koji rice mold star in Starbucks Japanese New Year’s Frappuccino and drinks
12 tabi split-toe sneakers to add a ninja flair to your casual everyday wear
Gunma Prefecture’s adorable mascot dances into our hearts and travel plans 【Video】