It makes me want to go out and make babies

I want undies like that

Although things have changed somewhat over the years, I think it's still generally difficult for young women here to be taken seriously at companies because there is an assumption that after a few years they will quit the job, get married, have kids, and stay at home until they're grown up. So it's harder for women to move into positions of responsibility because companies are reluctant to invest in developing their skills. So they're seen as short-term generic OLs or "onna no ko."
 
Of course, one reason for the assumption that young women will quit when they get married is that it's often true. There is a huge amount of pressure on young women here to get married, have a baby, and so assume a "normal" (mother at home) role in society. I think this underwear scheme may be taken as a joke by some, but for others it could actually be seen as cruel. Just another painful reminder that society considers them useless until they have a child or two.
 
Not to take things too seriously, but Ainu's note made me think. Also I have a friend now who is about to marry someone she doesn't love and barely knows simply to escape all that pressure, and I'm really worried about her future. I'm pretty sure that if she saw that underwear design she would feel deeply hurt, like someone had kicked her.
 
On the general question, though, I agree. A decline in the birth rate, a decline in the population as a whole. These are good things. Japan has half the population of the US crammed onto these tiny little islands. People could use some space to breathe. The trouble is that the politicians and business people all want growth, growth, growth, so they can make short-term profits and run away, but it's hard to get steady growth with a shrinking population.
 
Hey Ainu, maybe when you graduate you should come here?

Thank you for your wonderful replies, Ainu-san and Hachiro-san.
 
I tend to agree that the design is far from beautiful or sensitive. Big companies are always after big sales and attention. In that sense, their trick worked, they got all the attention.  
 
But now, after I read your posts, I realize that indeed it is cruel. And think of people who are unable to have children, how would they feel? There are many people who cannot for one reason or another have children.
 
That's very good point that Japan doesn't necessarely need more people. Economy is such an sensitive thing. Who knows what fever but more relaxed people can do? They can bring new more efficient work method that can cause revolutionary success in economy.
 
I'm sure Ainu-san can realize her dream sometimes soon (and I hope me too!) Then let's all have tea party and make okonomiyaki together!

I promise to visit Hokkaido!

Quote from Pooh Admin on May 23^rd, 2006, 2:50am:

And yakiniku.

Well, when you guys are thinking about plans, let me know! We'll get stuff for okonomiyaki