birth tourism japan

• Subscribe Digital Print

• depopulation
• Latest News
• Deep Dive Podcast

Today's print edition

Home Delivery

• Crime & Legal
• Science & Health
• More sports
• CLIMATE CHANGE
• SUSTAINABILITY
• EARTH SCIENCE
• Food & Drink
• Style & Design
• TV & Streaming
• Entertainment news

Giving birth in Japan? Here’s what you need to know.

Giving birth can be scary, worrisome and overwhelming — even more so if you don’t understand the local language or know the steps you need to take.

Here are the basic steps for having a child in Japan , as well as some helpful tips for expectant mothers.

Maternal handbook

Once a pregnancy test returns a positive result and you get an official confirmation from an obstetrician, the first step is to visit the local city office or public health center to get a maternal handbook.

Normally, you can get s handbook after a fetal heartbeat is detected, or around six to seven weeks into pregnancy.

Maternal handbooks are designed to keep a complete record of the mother and child, covering all stages of pregnancy, the child’s overall health, complications during childbirth (if any), and records of vaccination and health checkups after birth.

Municipalities also offer a set of government-subsidized coupons that expectant mothers can use at the clinic. Visits are usually made once every two weeks through the end of week 11, and these coupons will either partially or entirely cover the cost of each visit.

While trimesters are used in the West to describe how far along you are in a pregnancy, in Japan, it’s usually described in weeks or months. For instance, you would say that you’re 20 weeks into pregnancy rather than say you’re in your second trimester.

Choosing a clinic

Choosing where you will give birth is a key decision — something you want to start looking into during the early stages of pregnancy. Open spots at popular, well-known hospitals and clinics tend to fill up quickly.

Clinics usually offer drug-free natural birth plans, but options such as pain-killing epidurals — while common in Western countries — may not be available everywhere. High-risk pregnancies may need to be monitored at large-scale hospitals that have the necessary staff and facilities.

For non-Japanese speakers, hospitals with English-speaking doctors or staff are available. In Tokyo, Aiiku Clinic and Sanno Hospital have fluent English speakers on their staff, while that is also the case with Osaka City General Hospital.

If you have a specific birth plan in mind, like giving birth at home, it's important to be sure the clinic you use offers that option.

The next step would be to tell your friends, relatives and co-workers that you’re expecting a baby. Many women wait until week 12, just before the second trimester, when most pregnancies stabilize and there’s a lower risk of miscarriage. But if you’re struggling with morning sickness, you may opt to notify co-workers earlier so that they may be more understanding of your situation.

Things get easier once you enter your second trimester, with morning sickness and other pregnancy symptoms most likely subsiding. Some expectant mothers choose to plan a trip during this period to take advantage of what might be their last chance to travel alone with their partner before a child is born.

From 12 weeks of pregnancy to 23 weeks, visits to the clinic will be reduced to once every month. Prenatal tests — both invasive and noninvasive — are available for pregnant women to detect chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses. Those tests, which aren’t covered by the national health care program, can be costly, ranging from ¥20,000 to ¥200,000, depending on the type of test.

Municipalities often host free child care classes for would-be parents, offering tips such as how to bathe a newborn safely. It’s also a good place to become acquainted with other expectant mothers in the area and maybe make some friends.

During the third trimester, visits to the clinic should be made once every two weeks, and once every week from week 37.

Some hospitals may conduct an episiotomy — an incisions in the perineum — during labor, so expectant mothers should check with their doctors beforehand to see if they think such a procedure is needed.

To-do list after birth

Unlike Western countries, where women who give birth are discharged after a day or two, Japanese hospitals keep mothers and their newborns for about five days. Mothers who gave birth via C-section should expect to stay longer: from about seven to 10 days.

While admitted, hospital staff will teach new mothers about how to bathe and breastfeed their newborns.

Once discharged, the hospital gives the parents the birth certificate. The document is needed for the child to be registered in a family registry at a local city office within two weeks after birth.

A child born to non-Japanese parents will also need to register their child at the local office. If a child is born to a Japanese citizen and a foreign national, the child will be registered to the registry of the Japanese parent.

If a child is born to foreign parents, they will then also need to apply for residential status for the child, which depends on the residential status of the parents. Registering the child with the parents’ home country at the embassy in Japan is also required.

Childbirth costs

Giving birth to a child can be costly anywhere in the world, and Japan is no exception.

According to the health ministry, it cost around ¥450,000 to give birth in fiscal 2020 through March 2021. The figure is higher in major cities, with Tokyo averaging ¥550,000.

If you add all the prenatal checkups, which add up to about ¥100,000, the total cost will likely be around ¥550,000. The cost could be even higher if you opt to stay in a private room at the hospital.

However, what sets Japan aside from some other countries is that a majority of the costs are covered by government and municipality subsidies.

Municipalities offer coupons for prenatal hospital visits, and the government offers ¥500,000 to women who give birth to a child. However, it’s worth noting that only women who are covered by the national health care program, or a dependent of a spouse who is covered by the initiative, will be eligible for the subsidy.

On top of that, the government has started offering ¥100,000 — some ¥50,000 before birth and ¥50,000 after — from January to support expecting mothers and mothers with newborns.

In comparison, the average costs for childbirth along with prenatal and postpartum checkups in the United States costs about $18,865 (about ¥2.7 million) and the average out-of-pocket payments total $2,854 (about ¥400,000) for women enrolled in large group plans between 2018 and 2020, according to Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker.

Child care leave

Japan offers six weeks of pre-childbirth leave and child care leave of up to a year — or more precisely, up to the day when the child turns 1 year old. But this could be extended to 18 months if parents cannot find a slot at a daycare center, or longer until the child turns 2 years old if slots are still unavailable.

A working mother is eligible for two-thirds of her pay for 42 days before and 56 days after the child’s date of birth. From then on, parents taking child care leave — those who have worked for a company taking leave from for more than a year — are eligible for 67% of their pay for up to 180 days, and then to 50% of pay for the rest of their child care leave.

Part-timers and temporary workers are also eligible for the pay during child care leave as long as they clear certain criteria, including having paid the premium for employment insurance and having worked for 11 days or more for 12 months or more in the past two years.

It is at times necessary to extend child care leave because government-subsidized day care centers are difficult to get into with municipalities screening children based on the parents’ working conditions and employment situation.

A long list of children on a day care’s waiting list has been a perennial problem in Japan. But following the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many women to quit or lose their jobs, the figure on the waiting list has declined to 2,944 in April 2022 from 26,081 in April 2017.

In comparison, the U.S. doesn’t have a government-mandated program for child care leave or paid leave, relying more on each individual state to offer such a system. Still, the U.S. is the only country among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member states that does not mandate any paid leave for new parents, according to data compiled by the OECD in December. In the United Kingdom, mothers can take up to nine months of paid maternity leave.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information, quality journalism is more crucial than ever. By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.

Having a Baby in Japan: (Almost) Everything You Need to Know

Genki Japanese & Culture School (Kyoto)

Share article.

In some respects, the Japanese health and social support system can be a little confusing when it comes to pregnancy. This is the case for Japanese and foreigners alike. From discount vouchers and booking hospital beds to the different types of medical facilities, the system of care and support can all seem somewhat arcane.

The below is designed to give an overview of what to expect, what you need to do, as well as hopefully provide a rough idea of overall expected costs. As a disclaimer, my authority on the subject extends no further than that granted to me by the many, many phone calls to hospitals, enquiries at government offices, and hours of searching Japanese websites and hospital homepages once my wife became pregnant and the panic set in of realizing that I had no clue whom I was supposed to call or where I was supposed to go… Nevertheless, I hope it will provide some basis to get you off on the right footing should you find yourself in a similar situation.

Pregnancy & the Japanese Health System

Pregnancy is not covered under general health insurance in Japan. There are two reasons for this. Firstly, because being pregnant is not considered an illness or injury to oneself—the typical remit of health insurance. Secondly, because each pregnancy requires a different level of care there cannot be a fixed fee. Further, hospitals and clinics in Japan offer different levels of “service”, from the hotel-like treatment with your own separate room at the private hospitals to a more standard level of care elsewhere.

To provide financial support to families, Japan offers “maternity vouchers” (妊産婦健康診査費用補助券, ninsanpu-hoken-hiyō-hojoken ) to expecting mothers. These maternity vouchers are essentially discount vouchers which can be used at the hospitals and clinics to reduce the cost of the regular check-ups during pregnancy. The discounts offered by the maternity vouchers differ depending on where you live (although in the 23 wards of central Tokyo they are the same), as do the non-medical auxiliary services such as free massages and house cleans post-birth.

These maternity vouchers are included as part of a maternity pack expecting mothers will receive from the local city office which also includes the Maternity and Children Health Handbook (母子健康手帳, boshi-kenkō-techō ). This little book is very important and will need to be taken to all checkups and hospital visits. English versions of the Maternity and Children Health Handbook are also available.

If the home test from the pharmacy is positive, then you’ll want to have a doctor confirm the result. This will cost about ¥5,000-10,000, and include a urine test and an ultrasound (depending on the number of weeks). Once your pregnancy is confirmed, the first thing you should do is go to your city office to collect your Maternity and Children Health Handbook, as described above. To receive this you will need to submit a “pregnancy notification form” (妊娠届出書, ninshin-todokeshutsu-sho ). Do not lose this pack . In principle, the maternity vouchers cannot be re-issued .

You can now start your regular checkups. These checkups are called ninshin-kenkō-shindan (妊婦健康診断) in Japanese. You’ll need to find a clinic (more on the medical institutions below) and make your first appointment.

Generally speaking, expecting mothers will have 14 checkups (and will receive only 14 maternity vouchers when they collect their Maternity and Children Health Handbook). Typically, these will go:

• One checkup per month until your 23rd week
• One checkup every two weeks from the 24th until the 35th week
• Weekly checkups from the 36th week (40 weeks being the average term of pregnancy)

Naturally, the actual frequency will depend on your own situation following consultation with your doctor.

The maternity vouchers act as discount vouchers; they do not cover the full cost of the check-ups. With the vouchers, the cost of these check-ups roughly breaks down as follows but costs vary depending on the hospital or clinic, as well as the medical diagnosis.

• ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 for the first health check-up which includes multiple blood tests.
• ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per check-up after that (if blood tests are required this will increase the cost to ¥10,000-15,000)

All told, you should expect the checkups to cost about ¥100,000 ($640) in total (after the discount vouchers). Additionally, you may have costs relating to prescriptions for symptoms during pregnancy (e.g. headaches, constipation relief, etc.), but these should be covered under your general health insurance.

Choosing a Hospital

What may surprise some is that the majority of hospitals, clinics, and maternity homes in Japan require expecting mothers to make a reservation for the birth in advance. In Japanese, this is called bunben-yoyaku (分娩予約). You can begin making enquiries once you know your expected delivery date, which is usually around the 8-10 week stage of pregnancy. Reservation enquiries need to be made even in the case where you’re going for regular check-ups to the same hospital or clinic where you want to deliver (and thus the doctors and nurses are fully aware of your expected delivery date). This is because some women choose to give birth at hospitals different to their regular check-up place because, for example, they want to travel back to their hometown to give birth so that they can be closer to their parents. In any case, the more popular hospitals get booked quickly so it’s important to act fast. You will need to pay a deposit at the time of reservation. This differs by hospital but it seems that between ¥100,000 ($640) and ¥200,000 ($1,280) is common (more on costs later).

Unlike some other countries, women spend on average about six days in hospital in Japan from the time between going into labor and leaving the hospital with their newborn. Accordingly, choosing where to deliver requires a degree of research and planning. Broadly speaking, there are three types of medical institutions in which mothers can give birth.

1. General Hospitals & University Hospitals

General hospitals and university hospitals are favoured by some because they have the facilities and medical staff on hand to deal with any complications that might arise during childbirth. The demerits are that waiting times for checkups can sometimes be longer, you may not see the same doctor each time you go, and the food and general level of “service” might not be as good as at the private hospitals and clinics.

2. Private Hospitals

Not all private hospitals (個人病院, kojin-byōin ) or clinics (診療所, shinryō-sho ) have facilities to deliver a baby. Some will be able to provide regular checkups including ultrasounds and blood tests, but require the expecting mother to deliver at another hospital; others will specialize in something else entirely. Private hospitals and clinics are essentially the same thing (the distinction is one of size in terms of number of beds). Private hospitals and clinics that do have childbirth facilities will usually be able to offer a better level of comfort versus general hospitals. This might mean more dedicated and personalized care, better food, a private room, or the benefit that the doctor with you for the regular check-ups should also be present at the birth. Obviously, this extra level of care and service comes at a cost, and private hospitals and clinics can be considerably more expensive than general or university hospitals. However, in “higher risk” cases such as where the mother is pregnant with twins or is older, the private hospital may advise delivery at a general hospital.

3. Maternity Homes

Maternity homes (助産所, josan-sho ) are clinics that specialize only in delivery. They do not accommodate regular checkups. Further, they cannot perform more complicated deliveries such as a Caesarean section. Maternity homes generally provide a more homely environment for natural births, and are typically cheaper than general and private hospitals.

To add some context to the above, roughly speaking, just over half of women in Japan choose to give birth in a private hospital; just under half in a general or university hospital; and less than 5% opt for a maternity home.

Understand the Rules & Facilities

Hospitals and clinics sometimes have certain rules and conditions by which families must abide. For example, some clinics are female only and do not allow males to accompany their partners; some will not deliver the baby if the mother has not been attending that clinic or hospital for regular checkups since early in their pregnancy. Consultation hours also differ; notably, not all places offer appointments at the weekend.

Further, what the medical institutions can and cannot offer in terms of medical services also differs. For example, not all places can offer “painless delivery” (an epidural injection during labor to relieve pain); others have more advanced ultrasound technology, and so on. Incidentally, natural births are encouraged in Japan and places offering epidurals are limited, with those that do often only making them available during normal work hours—not much help if you go into labour at midnight. Japan is also one of a handful of countries where episiotomy is still widely practiced.

Beyond that, medical institutions are chosen based on word-of-mouth, reputation, proximity to home, and so on. Many expecting mothers will visit multiple places to see the facilities, and the home pages of the private hospitals and clinics will often have photographs of comfortable hotel-like rooms or well-prepared courses dinners to entice you.

What about English speaking staff?

There are places in Tokyo that have English-speaking staff, but many of these are located in Minato Ward—unsurprising given that a disproportionate number of foreigners live here. Equally, hospitals which don’t actively promote their ability to provide services in English may nevertheless have doctors and nurses with good language skills. If your Japanese isn’t good enough to make such enquiries then you’ll need to ask a friend or find a place that is geared towards foreigners. In Tokyo, your best bet is hospitals and clinics in Minato Ward and Shibuya Ward.

Changing Hospitals

In cases where you wish to change clinics (perhaps due to a move during pregnancy) or intend to deliver at a hospital that is not where you have your regular checkups, you will need a referral letter (紹介状, shōkaijō ) from your current hospital or clinic. This needs to be written by the referring doctor and will cost about ¥3,000. This referral letter, along with test results, will then be submitted to the new hospital.

Typically, you will need to have your regular check-ups at the hospital or clinic where you will deliver from about the 32nd week of your pregnancy, regardless. In other words, you cannot continue to attend a separate clinic all the way up until labor and then turn up at the other hospital just to give birth. They understandably want to examine you in person beforehand.

As mentioned above, women spend on average six days in hospital for childbirth in Japan. 2016 statistics show that nationwide ¥505,759 ($3,236) was the average cost of a natural birth. In Tokyo, this creeps up to ¥621,814 ($3,979). These figures are averages and there are some paying considerably more. You can see the statistics by prefecture and type of institution here (Japanese only).

To support the financial burden of childbirth, families are given a “childbirth lump-sum allowance” (出産育児一時金, shussan-ikuji-ichikin ). This amount is ¥420,000 ($2,688) per child. Therefore, taking the national average figure of ¥505,759 ($3,236), the amount that you would have to pay from your own pocket is this figure less the childbirth lump-sum allowance, or about ¥86,000 ($550).

It used to be the case that families would need to pay the full medical costs of childbirth directly to the medical institution where the mother gave birth, but in 2011 a direct payment system was introduced which allows the medical institution to claim the childbirth lump-sum allowance on your behalf, thus reducing the burden of an otherwise large payment.

Preparing for Delivery

There are many more qualified medical websites to talk about preparation for delivery but the below are a couple of important points for giving birth in Japan.

Hospital Bag

Like any country, expecting mothers should have hospital bag prepared as their due date approaches. But with mothers staying in hospital for about 6 days post-birth many have full suitcases prepared for the stay. This means more clothes, more personal items (e.g. phone chargers, books, magazines, etc.), as well as the following items:

• Maternity and Children Health Handbook
• Health insurance card
• Inkan / Seal (if you have one—foreigners often just sign instead)
• Patient Registration Card (診察券, shinsatsu-ken )

Register for a “Maternity Taxi”

Unless you have your own transport, you’re going to be relying on a taxi to get you to the hospital. While taxis are everywhere in Tokyo, you don’t want to be frantically running up and down the road in the middle of the night trying to hail one while your partner is back home in pain. The Japan Taxi app is okay in the Tokyo area but it’s not something I would want to rely on in an emergency. Fortunately, many taxi companies offer a maternity service (陣痛タクシー, jintsū-takushii ). You register your details online and then you have access to a special hotline which jumps you to the front of the queue and is open 24 hours per day. Websites for a few of the main companies: Nihon Kotsu , Ebara Kotsu , KM Taxi . The companies charge around ¥500 on top of the metered charge for the service.

Registering the Birth

First, you need to register the birth at your local city office within 14 days and to do this you will need a birth certificate issued by the medical staff at the hospital where your child was born. At the local city office you should submit a Birth Notification Form (出生届, shussan-todoke ). Also take your Maternity and Children Health Handbook because you will given a small certificate which you should cut out and stick in your handbook.

You should then apply for a Birth Notification Certificate of Acceptance (出生届受理証明書, shusshōtodoke-juri-shōmeisho ) at the local city office which, because a Family Register is not created for foreign nationals, is often used as an official Birth Certificate. You may also need this Birth Notification Certificate of Acceptance to register the birth the embassy or consulate of your home country.

Applying for Permission to Stay

Children of foreign nationals born in Japan are granted permission to stay for 60 days without any status of residence. If your child will stay in Japan longer than 60 days and you hold a resident status other than Permanent Resident (特別永住権, tokubestu-eijūken ), you need to make an  Application for Certificate of Eligibility (在留資格取得許可申請, zairyū-shikaku-shutoku-kyoka-shinsei ) at the Japanese Immigration within 30 days of birth. This can be done even if your child does not yet have a passport. Required documents will depend on your resident status, but typically you will need to submit the following documents.

• An application form (available at immigration)
• A questionnaire for both parents (only one needs to be present but you need to know the passport number and residence card number of your partner). The questionnaire is available at immigration.
• Residence Certificate (住民票, jūminhyō ) for all members of the family including your child.
• Birth Notification Certificate of Acceptance (出生届受理証明書, shusshōtodoke-juri-shōmeisho )
• Taxation Certificate (課税証明書, kazei-shōmeisho )
• Certificate of Tax Payment (納税証明書, nōzei-shōmeisho )
• Certificate of Employment (在職証明書, zaishoku-shōmeisho )

The issuance of a residence card for your child typically takes 14 days (the card will not show your child’s photograph so you do not need to prepare one for the application). In order to collect the residence card you would ordinarily need to show your child’s passport, but this may not have been issued yet. Instead the immigration bureau will accept a certificate or receipt from your embassy showing that you have applied for one. The length of validity on your child’s residence card will depend on your status as the applicant.

Child Support

To support families with the cost of raising a child, child benefit is provided to all families. It is called jidō-teate (児童手当) in Japanese. The application for child benefit payments must be made by the “householder”, which is defined as the parent with the highest income. How much you get per child, per month depends on the income level of the householder. The minimum regardless of income is ¥5,000, and the maximums are as follows:

• Until 3 years of age: ¥15,000 per month
• From 3 until 12 years of age: ¥10,000 per month (¥15,000 from the 3rd child)
• From 12 until 15 years of age: ¥10,000 per month
• Over 15 years of age: No further payments

The income limits depend on the number of dependents and are shown on the Cabinet Office’s child benefit page , but as at the end of 2018 the income limit for the householder with a spouse and two children, for example, was ¥9.6 million. Minato City’s website is also a good source for updated information in English .

How do I apply for child benefit?

You need to submit an application for child benefit payments (認定請求書, nintei-seikyūsho ) within 15 days from the day after birth. Payments are made in February, June, and October of each year to the applicants bank account. Note that no proof of income is required at the time of application, but to ensure that payments are in accordance with changing circumstances, each year in June you need to submit an “update notification” (現況届, genkyō-todoke ) to the municipal offices.

You May Also Like

Getting married in japan as a foreigner, a brief guide to income taxes in japan, a complete guide to renting in japan, moving to japan: what you need to know.

Pregnancy and Birth in Japan: The Ultimate Guide

In this guide, we will cover all the information that you need to know about giving birth in Japan, as well as key vocabulary and information about costs at English-speaking hospitals in Tokyo. This guide is a work in progress and we will consistently update it so check back often for new information.

Related article: Guide to Health Insurance in Japan Last update: May 18 2021

Giving birth in Japan

Giving birth in Japan should be a joyful experience. And with this guide, we want to share with you the necessary information that will make your birthing experience in Tokyo, or elsewhere in Japan more pleasant.

With National Health Insurance , a woman can receive assistance of 420,000JPY (Approx. US$ 4,200) for a delivery. Likewise, the same amount will be given if there is a certificate or proof of miscarriage and premature birth if the pregnancy period is beyond four months (85 days) What are the major differences and considerations when giving birth in Japan at a Japanese hospital? How is the coronavirus pandemic affecting the type of care? What are your options?

What happens when you give birth in Japan?

• Find out you’re pregnant with an at-home pregnancy test.
• Make an appointment to confirm the pregnancy with a gynecologist. You will need to be about 10 weeks, and in order to confirm the pregnancy, the doctor will have to confirm that your baby has a heartbeat.
• If your baby has a heartbeat – the doctor will formally confirm your pregnancy. At this time they will offer to provide you with a hospital referral letter. The referral letter – 紹介状 (pronounced Shokai Jo) is used to register with the hospital of your choice. Without this – you will be unable to book a reservation for delivery at most hospitals. The OBGYN may provide you with this on the spot, or they may ask you for a follow-up consultation. Before you register at the hospital you will need to get the mother and child handbook and take it with you to the registration appointment – most people register their birth at city hall in order to obtain this.
• You will register your pregnancy with City Hall. At this point, you will receive the VERY important 母子健康手帳 or Maternal Mother and Child Handbook. This will be used to keep track of all of your child’s appointments up until the birth. (If you’d like to buy one in preparation for your pregnancy to learn more or to have an extra copy, you can do so here: https://hanbai.mcfh.or.jp/material/detail/27) They will also give you gift certificate vouchers that you can use to purchase necessary items for the birth, which can be used at different retailers. These certificates can also be used to pay for taxis, or eating out. You will receive a list of the retailers and eateries that they can be used when you register. Check your city hall website and there may be information about what type of vouchers will be provided – you may even receive a free gift or a choice of free gift such as a nursing pillow.
• After you have registered the birth with your city hall – you will then make a registration appointment with your hospital of choice and book your delivery stay. At this point you will make your requests for the type of birth – and they may ask you to submit a birth plan with preferences for the type of room you will have, shared vs private, and thins like painless delivery if it is available. This is also the point where you can request to use the direct method payment system so make sure to ask for the direct payment system if you would like to use it. Instead of having to pay all the costs in cash and ask for reimbursement from your city ward office, or city hall, you will be able to have the hospital take the 420,000 lump sum birth allowance directly. This is very important for people that do not have the cash flow to put up 650,000 yen in collateral. In Japanese it is called the 直接支払制度 or chokusetsu shiharai seido.
• Once you are registered with your hospital, depending on whether or not they have an open system – you will either need to find another OBGYN to attend regular appointments prior to the birth, or you will have to keep visiting your registered hospital for regular appointments. Typically – larger hospitals have a semi open system where you can visit your OBGYN Clinic of choice up until you go into labor and give birth. The clinic that you visit will write all of your appointment data into your mother and child handbook so that your doctors at the delivery hospital can reference it. In Japanese, this semi-open system of OBGYN is called either 産科オープン (sanka o-pin), or セミオープンシステム (semi o-pin shisutemu) Aiku has this guidance on it: https://www.aiiku.net/cooperation/ and further reading here: https://www.aiiku.net/img/cooperation/index/opensystem.pdf It’s generally the same for all hospitals that participate in this system. Your regular checkup visits prior to the birth will be handled at a participating nearby clinic – and if you’d like to request a doctor from the clinic to attend the delivery at the larger hospital you may be able to do so.
• You will feel contractions and start to go into labor. Generally, they will ask you to come to the hospital if your contractions are within 5 minutes apart. (Except for cases where you have been determined to have an at-risk pregnancy. Then they may ask you to come in earlier.) If you show up at the hospital prior to this window, they will likely ask you to return home and wait until contractions are more closely together. If your partner cannot drive, you may not want to take public transportation. In this case, we would recommend taking a baby taxi. These specialist taxi services are a way to register your estimated delivery date and your address – this will give you priority in a queue for the hospital delivery and it will also alert the driver to your needs ahead of time. Normally referred to as 陣痛タクシー (Jintsuu Takushii) or labor taxi, they can also sometimes be called by trade names Here are several links to labor taxis that serve tokyo https://www.daiwaj.com/tamago/entry/ https://www.km-taxi.tokyo/service/maternity.php https://www.seibuhire.co.jp/html/maternity.html We will include a more comprehensive list later in the article.
• You will be in labor. Your labor experience will vary widely depending on which hospital or clinic you register to give birth with. Depending on how long your labor is – it may require medical intervention. A common induction practice is to provide a dosage of oxytocin to help speed up contractions.
• You will stay 4-10 days at the hospital after giving birth depending on what type of labor you have. During this time the hospital staff will help consult with you to help to breastfeed, as well as to perform medical checks on your newborn such as a hearing exam. The name of this is 耳検索 or ear exam.
• You will get discharged and go home.

Labor Taxis

As mentioned above – booking a labor taxi to take you to and from the hospital when giving birth is a nice way to prepare and make things smoother on the big day, here is a list of links to labor taxis in Tokyo that will help you.

https://www.daiwaj.com/tamago/entry/ https://www.km-taxi.tokyo/service/maternity.php https://www.seibuhire.co.jp/html/maternity.html <— has an easy to use the registration form, it’s in Japanese but you can use google translate. https://www.daiichi-koutsu.co.jp/taxi/mamasapo/ https://www.nihon-kotsu.co.jp/taxi/use/jintsu.html

Important Japanese Pregnancy Vocabulary

These are a sampling of vocabulary and phrases that are important to giving birth in Japan. We have put together a comprehensive spreadsheet with even more terms. Register your email to download it for free: – COMING SOON

Key Japanese Pregnancy Phrases

Map of english birth hospitals in tokyo.

Here is a Map we have created of the hospitals that advertise English speaking birth support in central Tokyo https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1py-SMfjMUcb2kSiUViiN9nsqe99-XeYa&usp=sharing

Insurance Coverage

You’ve found out you’re pregnant, and you’re living in Japan. You’re now probably wondering what comes next, and you might be feeling a mix of excitement, and worry. If you do a quick google search – you will see that pregnancy in Japan isn’t covered by national health insurance. Does this mean you will need to pay out of pocket for all of your medical visits? Well, yes, technically pregnancy is not covered by health insurance, but you shouldn’t worry. Giving birth in Japan is relatively affordable. There is a lump sum birth allowance that you will get for reimbursement – typically around 420,000 JPY In addition to this – your local city hall will provide you with vouchers to subsidize the cost of your appointment visits. In effect, this subsidizes the same amount that regular insurance coverage would. So in a sense – it is defacto covered, although not directly, and there are a limit on the amount of vouchers that are given to an expectant mother, whereas insurance coverage would not have this limitation. You will also receive a lump sum of gift certificates that you can use towards purchasing necessary items for the baby. These gift certificates can be used at a variety of retailers and for a variety of different purposes. But they are generally accepted at major retailers related to babies – including Babies R Us.

Lump Sum Childbirth Allowance

Everyone who gives birth in a participating medical institution in Japan (99%) will be provided with a lump sum reimbursement of 420,000 Japanese yen. The name of this in Japanese is 出産育児一時金 – Shussan ikuji ichi jikin. This can either be applied for after paying out of pocket, and reimbursed in Japanese yen, or you can ask the hospital to take the lump sum directly, if you would like to use the direct payment system, you can ask for the 直接支払制度 or Choku setsu shiharai seido – which literally translates to direct payment system.

The majority of hospitals and clinics in Japan participate in this system, and most people elect to use this.

Deposit / Downpayment

Many hospitals require you to provide them with a deposit to secure your booking/reservation. This typically ranges anywhere from 150,000 – 200,000 yen. You will get back whatever the difference is if any after the lump sum birth allowance is dispersed. So for example: Your cash deposit: 200,000 JPY Lump sum allowance paid directly to the hospital: 420,000 JPY Total Balance: 620,000 Total Cost: 520,000 JPY You will receive 100,000 JPY of your deposit back.

Cost Simulations

Your total cost (all charges include tax) for giving birth in Tokyo will depend largely on the hospital that you select for your hospitalization. It will also vary depending on what sort of services you will need during and after the birth. For example, getting an epidural or a C-Section delivery will be more expensive, because of both the service delivery and the extra time spent hospitalized. In addition to this – you will need a 4-5 day stay in your hospital or clinic. And that will add another variable cost depending on the room and the meals / any incidentals including formula or added services. Generally, most private hospitals and public hospitals will have a cost simulation available on the departmental section of their website. As an example, here are several cost simulations from popular hospitals in Tokyo that offer English Speaking Support. The pages are in Japanese – but if you have google chrome you can right-click the page and google translate it. Generally, most hospitals have more information on the Japanese version of their pages. Another important point to keep in mind is that all of these costs are before the 420,000 JPY Lump-sum allowance, so take all of the totals and minus 420,000 JPY. The average person will pay anywhere from 50,000 JPY – 200,000 JPY out of pocket depending on the hospitals and services. Aikuu Cost Simulation: An estimate for a 5-day stay would be around 650,000 Yen with a private room. This is one of the more popular clinics due to its convenience and service-oriented attitude. https://www.aiiku.net/inpatient/charge.php In this case, you would need to deposit in cash and then pay the deposit difference after discharge. You can see a full simulation by clicking through the link. Japan Red Cross Hospital: Around 710,000 Japanese Yen for a regular natural birth with a 5 day stay in a private room. http://www.med.jrc.or.jp/visit/tabid/325/Default.aspx#n4 Hiroo Hospital: Boshikenkō techōApproximately 450,000 JPY with a 6 day stay in a public room. For a private room, there is a surcharge of 16,000 Jpy / day. https://www.byouin.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/hiroo/shinryou/shinryou/64_baby.html

Niigata's Murakami City: Enjoy Fun Events, Sightseeing, and Local Cuisine!

We use cookies to improve our contents. Check the detail and update your settings here .

We use cookies to improve our services.

For more details, please click here .

• Food & Drink
• Accommodation
• Things To Do
• All the categories

Transportation

• Weather & Seasons

Long-Term Stay

Travel Tips

• Event Tickets
• About MATCHA
• Company Profile
• MATCHA Special Features

Giving Birth In Japan: How Much Does Childbirth And Childcare Cost?

It's common for expectant mothers and couples to feel clueless during their first pregnancy, especially if in a foreign country like Japan. How much does it cost to deliver and raise a baby in Japan? This article covers the fees for pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare, and helpful subsidies.

ISHIGAKI KUMIKO

Medical Expense Support for Foreign Mothers and Mothers-to-Be in Japan

When preparing to give birth in Japan, some expecting mothers and couples may worry if they can receive the same support as Japanese residents.

In Japan, pregnancy and childbirth-related medical expenses are costly because they are not covered by insurance. To save yen, however, there are subsidies you can receive regardless of your nationality and income by enrolling in the health insurance system (National Health Insurance and Social Insurance).

In this article, we look at the costs and financial subsidies available to those giving birth and raising a child in three parts: pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum .

Take Advantage of Multilingual Medical Services

There are a lot of procedures and paperwork at hospitals and municipal offices when expecting a child in Japan. This can be very stressful if you're not familiar with Japanese or the customs of Japan. As a result, there has been an increase in staff fluent in foreign languages or translation devices available at municipal offices.

For example, the Shinjuku Ward office has established a Foreign Resident Advisory Corner in English, Chinese, and Korean, offered for free to its many international residents. Kanagawa Prefecture’s Parenting in Japan website is accessible in ten different languages.

It's advised to check if your area's municipal office has a support center for non-Japanese residents.

Health Insurance In Japan: Types, How To Apply, And Premiums

Ready For Japan! Vol. 11 – Make Playtime Educational With Toys From Japan

How Much Is the Cost of Giving Birth in Japan?

In Japan, a mother-to-be will receive a total of 14 prenatal checkups throughout her pregnancy. A physical exam is done during each checkup and costs around 5,000 to 8,000 yen per exam.

There is a way, however, to save on these fees, adding in the costs of transportation to the hospital and purchasing maternity items, which can add up quickly.

Prenatal Checkup Vouchers are one form of financial support provided to expecting mothers by each local government. This coupon is equivalent to 100,000 yen and can be used towards prenatal checkups. If you use these vouchers, you can expect to pay around 70,000 to 120,000 yen for medical expenses.

The amount of money and compensation coverage varies in every region. Be sure to check the details at your local municipal office or on the official website.

You may also be refunded a portion of the medical examination fees on your tax return the following year, so be sure to keep all of your receipts and details from the hospital visit. We offer more details in this section.

How Much Does it Cost to Deliver a Baby in Japan?

The cost of childbirth covers various fees, including hospitalization, exams, and medication. The average total is said to be around 500,000 yen. Opting for a C-section or painless delivery with an epidural will increase by 100,000 to 200,000 yen.

By the way, childbirth expenses also vary by area. Tokyo is the most expensive place to give birth in Japan—costing about 620,000 yen. On the other hand, Tottori Prefecture is the cheapest and costs roughly 390,000 yen.

In any case, childbirth is expensive. Make use of public subsidies to reduce your out-of-pocket payments.

Childbirth Lump-Sum Grant: Up to 420,000 Yen Payable per Baby

It’s extremely difficult to bear the entire financial burden of your childbirth expenses. In Japan there is a system that pays mothers-to-be 420,000 yen (*) per baby under the Lump-Sum Allowance for Childbirth .

The Lump-Sum Allowance for Childbirth can be collected regardless of nationality if you're enrolled in health insurance. Health organizations can also pay the hospital for you by utilizing the Direct Payment System . This is convenient because you won't be required to pay the medical expenses in advance. It also allows you to defer additional charges when discharged from the hospital.

If the cost of childbirth is less than the amount given through the Lump-Sum Allowance for Childbirth, you will be refunded the difference.

*: In the event that you give birth at a medical institution not under the Japan Obstetric Compensation System (Japanese), your childbirth compensation will be 404,000 yen.

Postpartum Care Costs 500,000 Yen?

After giving birth, you will need to pay important medical expenses for your newborn, including routine checkups and vaccinations, in addition to baby products and food.

Expenses incurred after birth will differ for each person. According to reports, the cost of raising a newborn in the first year of life is about 500,000 yen (*). As such, it's recommended you begin making a plan before pregnancy.

Additionally, co-payments for a child's medical expenses (newborn to age six) are generally around 20%. However, many regions have systems in place that aid in medical expenses for infants. In Tokyo, for example, the government will subsidize 20% of co-payments , so medical expenses and medications essentially become free.

If you're a dual-income household, you should also consider enrolling your infant in either daycare or hiring babysitters from an early stage, and account for these expenses.

*From Child Future Foundation: Study Report on Childcare Costs (Japanese)

Take Advantage of Allowances and Grants

In addition to the financial support for childcare introduced so far, there are other allowances and grants you can receive if you meet the criteria. Be sure to do your research first, though.

1. Childbirth Allowance

Maternity allowance supports working moms, especially the Childbirth Allowance (Japanese). Although the name is similar to the Lump-Sum Allowance for Childbirth, it’s important to note that these are two separate systems .

The Childbirth Allowance aids people who experience a loss in income due to maternity leave. It is a pre-requisite that you are enrolled under your employer's health insurance to receive this allowance. Unfortunately, those under Japan's National Health Insurance (NHI) who are self-employed or unemployed are ineligible for this allowance.

The allowance has several other requirements, so be sure to consult with your employer early on if you're thinking about applying.

Below is an example of how the compensation amount for the Childbirth Allowance is calculated:

A monthly salary of 300,000 yen will be calculated as 300,000 yen ÷ 30 days × 2/3 = 6,666 yen to get the amount you are granted per day.

Allowance is granted when you're on leave from work, which is between 42 days before your delivery date to 56 days after the day you give birth. If you give birth after your expected delivery date, don't worry, as those days will be included in your maternity allowance.

２. Childcare Leave Benefits

In Japan, employees are legally allowed to take childcare leave––paid time off work to support their child until he/she turns one-year-old. This rule applies to workers of all nationalities.

The Childcare Leave Benefits begins being paid from the time of childbirth (*1) until the newborn reaches the age of one. This allowance system is very beneficial to parents because childcare leave is unpaid.

*1: The eight weeks following the day after birth are not included in childcare leave because it is a part of maternity leave. Fathers who are recipients of the allowance are granted pay beginning from the day of childbirth.

The compensation for Childcare Leave Benefits is calculated below.

*2: This amount is six month's worth of income (excluding bonuses) prior to childcare leave divided into 180 days.

In addition to mothers, fathers are also eligible for the allowance. Both parents may apply if they meet the criteria.

３. Child-Rearing Allowance

The systems that we’ve introduced so far support childcare for parents who are lawfully employed in Japan. On the other hand, the Child-Rearing Allowance (Japanese) is intended for all parents living in Japan, with a job or not.

This system grants 15,000 yen or 10,000 yen (*) monthly per child from birth to junior high school graduation (until March 31 of his/her 15th birthday).

*: If the recipient’s income exceeds a specified amount, the monthly allowance will be 5,000 yen per child.

The allowance is paid three times a year. How the child allowance is used will vary on the family. Many people save money for their child’s future or use it towards education.

Other Benefits

Depending on where you live, there may be unique childcare support systems available for residents.

For instance, Minato Ward is located in Tokyo––the most expensive place to give birth in Japan. This ward has its own initiative that gives recipients a maximum of 180,000 yen in grants (auto-translated English page available) .

In addition to childbirth benefits, every region has independent initiatives, such as congratulatory money for children entering elementary and junior high school. There are other grants that provide assistance to single parents, too. It is highly recommended to do additional research on what systems are available at the municipal office in your area.

Medical Deductions to Make on Your Taxes

Even if you utilize subsidies such as the Lump-Sum Allowance for Childbirth, there are often unexpected medical or hospitalization fees that pile up.

If this occurs, you should take advantage of medical deductions on your Japanese tax return . If your family's yearly medical expenses exceed 100,000 yen (calculate 5% of total income if you earn below 2,000,000 yen), then you are eligible to receive a tax refund if you overpaid after filing your tax return.

Do not throw away receipts from the hospital, but store them safely as they'll be needed for your tax return. Medical deductions that are covered include hospital expenses for routine checkups. You can also add taxi fares when traveling to the hospital for checkups or going into delivery in your deductions.

The specific amount in medical deductions is calculated below.

The money refunded to you will be the amount in medical deductions multiplied by your income tax rate. For example, if your medical deductions equal 50,000 yen and your income tax rate is 20%, then you will be refunded 10,000 yen.

Learn the Childcare Subsidies to Enjoy Parenthood in Japan

Although there are many things we want to provide for our newborn, the reality is that raising a child is expensive. That’s why reducing your out-of-pocket payments through public subsidies is important.

Many areas are also home to child care facilities and health centers that assist residents with children. At these centers, you can ask for advice on childcare-related matters, too.

Why not utilize these support systems to ensure a comfortable pregnancy and pleasant parenthood in Japan?

All photos by Pixta

Lives in Tokyo. My hobbies are traveling and appreciating art. I have an eye for delicious food, and after living in Beijing, China for five years, I discovered the deliciousness of hot pot.

Related topics

Top articles, related article.

Child Care In Japan For Foreign Residents: English-Speaking Facilities

Hospitals In Tokyo With English And Multilingual Support

Changing Jobs In Japan: Timing, Procedures, And Paperwork

Public Institutions In Japan With English Support: Visas, Taxes, And More

Counseling Services In Japan Recommended For English Speakers

What If I'm Sick? Guide To Japanese Hospitals

Japanese Medical Institutions

Start planning your trip

Special Features

Popular Searches

Latest news.

Floral Desserts in Kyoto! Itoh Kyuemon's Uji Matcha and Hydrangea Festival

Discover Kyoto's Elegant Geisha Culture at the Gion Kagai Art Museum

Showa Kinen Park Flower Festival 2024: Enjoy Nemophila, Tulips, and More!

A Must for Nature Lovers! Win a Free Stay at Unzen Amakusa National Park

A World of Light and Color! Van Gogh Alive in Japan 2024

Japan's Public Holidays and Long Weekends in 2024

Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom: A Shopping Mall Featuring a Resort Aura

Suica and Pasmo IC Cards: Prepaid Transportation Passes in Japan

Riding Taxis in Japan: The 6 Best Apps to Grab a Cab

How to Travel to Kyoto From Osaka: The Fastest and Cheapest Ways

New articles.

Explore the Shimanami Kaido! Enjoy a luxury cruise on the Seto Inland Sea with luxurious gourmet food

Spectacular view from HIROSHIMA ORIZURU TOWER[Magic Hour]

Stroll through the white-walled streets of Yame-Fukushima

[Osaka/Osaka Shochikuza Theatre] DOTONBORI "NIRAMI" event to commemorate Ichikawa Danjūrō XIII, Hakuen's succession to his name will be held!

[Free for foreign visitors only] Try on the twelve-layered kimono♪

News & Opinion

Birthing in Japan

October 5, 2009 Updated On July 17, 2013

by Brett Iimura and Iona Macnab

As a certified childbirth educator who has taught in Japan for over 13 years, I am often asked by both foreigners and Japanese alike what the differences are between giving birth in Japan and giving birth in a Western country. It is always interesting to me that ‘Western countries’ are so often lumped together. Depending upon what countries one chooses to include as ‘Western,’ the question covers 20 countries or more. The reciprocal question would have to lump Japan with all of the other Asian countries. Most people seem to readily understand that birth choices and protocols in Japan are not the same as in China or Vietnam, for example. By the same token, neither is birth handled the same way in The Netherlands, the US, or Spain.

Each country seems to have its own ‘color’ of birthing. These colors risk becoming stereotypes, and although certain trends can be discerned, most countries have more than one choice in terms of where and what ‘style’ of birth is available. So what is Japan’s ‘color’ and how does it differ from that of some other countries?

Most births in Japan take place in either a hospital or doctor’s clinic, however much of the labor is handled by midwives. This is similar to much of Europe, but differs drastically from North America, where less than eight percent of births are attended by a midwife. Approximately two percent of births in Japan occur in midwife-run birth houses or in private homes. This is similar to the US, as well as many countries in Western Europe, with the notable exception of The Netherlands, where more than a third of births are home births. Japan also runs neck and neck with Sweden, Hong Kong, and Singapore for the lowest infant mortality rate in the world.

The use of pharmaceutical pain relief differs widely among Western countries. British Commonwealth countries tend to lean toward the use of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), while France and the US prefer epidurals. The Netherlands, like Japan, strives for more natural, nondrug pain relief methods, however Japan also adds the strong cultural affinity for gaman, or stoic forbearance.

Another difference encountered here by many foreign women is the lack of family and close friends that they may have been supported by back home. Taking a class with several other couples gives all involved an opportunity to start building new friendships with others who are also approaching parenthood for the first time. It is difficult to recreate one’s home environment, but participating in a birth class and getting involved in various pregnancy and parenting groups can help to bridge that gap, to a certain extent.

The greatest difference between Japan and all other countries, of course, is the language and culture. In a land where ‘yes’ doesn’t always mean yes and there is often a cultural hesitation to approach foreigners, differing expectations, as well as differing interpretations of facial expressions, gestures, and intonation, often set the stage for miscommunication. Writing a birth plan can help smooth communication, since written English is often better understood than spoken English.

So where does that leave ‘the Westerner,’ or for that matter, any foreigner, giving birth in Japan? Expectations, and therefore experiences, of birth in Japan will differ depending upon the ‘other’ culture from which one comes, and how similar or different the settings, choices, and usual protocols are. If one recognizes and accepts the cultural proclivities and language barrier as a starting point, but couples that with the universality of the experience of giving birth, then one is less likely to take miscommunication personally and more likely to take positive steps toward achieving a beautiful birthing experience. Having expectations that differ somewhat from one’s host country can actually be an advantage, as this encourages women to delve more deeply into their own personal views on birth and be more proactive in the pursuit of their desires. The first steps, then, would be imagining the birth, reading up on birth issues in general, listing one’s preferences, and choosing the appropriate caregiver and setting to match one’s ideals.

Brett Iimura ICCE, mother of two, is the director of the Childbirth Education Center (CEC), serving parents-to-be throughout Japan since 1997. Iona Macnab IBCLC is a lactation consultant in private practice in Tokyo and a mother of three. They have over thirty years of combined experience in Japan, and much experience raising bilingual, bicultural children!

Parenting Tip:

Resources to Get Started

Childbirth Education Center (CEC) offers classes and consulting, as well as doula/interpreting services. Select from Early Pregnancy & Choosing a Caregiver, Birthing Your Baby, Baby Basics, Cesarean Birth Class, and the Refresher Birth Class. Contact Brett Iimura, ICCE for information: 03-3414-7458, [email protected] or visit their website at www.birthinjapan.com .

Birth Education Services in Tokyo (BEST), held at the Tokyo American Club, offers Early Pregnancy & Birth Planning in Tokyo and Preparation for Birth classes for couples, as well as doula services. Contact Ann Tanaka, RN for details: 03-3482-0728, [email protected] .

Blue Sky offers comprehensive, prenatal breastfeeding classes and post-natal breastfeeding consulting services by internationally certified lactation consultant, Iona Macnab, IBCLC. Contact 03-3425-2534 or [email protected] .

La Leche League is an international breastfeeding support organization with monthly meetings held around Japan in English, Japanese, and French. www.llli.org/japan.html Tokyo Pregnancy Group is a free, informal, bimonthly gathering of pregnant women in Tokyo. http://tokyopregnancygroup.blogspot.com

Related Posts

Famous Voice Actor Toru Furuya Admits to Affair With Fan

Welcome to Tokyo Weekender Vol. 2, 2024

YouTuber PewDiePie Slams YouTubers for Ruining Japan | News Roundup

Voice Actor Hideyuki Umezu Dies Aged 68

Tara: A Mystical Oceanside Town Where You Can Feel the Moon’s Power

Super Delivery International: Bringing Japan to Your Door

Stay in Style at DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station

A Culinary Wonderland in Hyogo Prefecture

Being Pregnant While Traveling in Japan

You may happen to have long planned and booked a trip to Japan and be taken by surprise by an unexpected pregnancy. You may also be already pregnant when you decide to visit Japan . First of all, congratulations, this is the beginning of a great adventure!

Pregnant women are showered with all sorts of information, sometimes completely irrational and often stress-inducing, and it is important to sift through it with a critical eye and personal approach. It is no different when you travel abroad, especially to a far-away country and one that was hit by a major ecological disaster a few years ago.

However, provided that you comply with basic rules of precaution and act with proper common sense, it is quite possible for you to travel to Japan when you are pregnant. And since it may prove difficult to go again in the following years, you had better enjoy it to the full!

In Japanese, the word for pregnancy is 妊娠 ninshin . Let us mention in passing that Japanese women gain an average 8kg during their pregnancy.

A Useful Reminder of Basic Facts

Pregnancy can be broken down into three terms, which roughly correspond to the following stages:

• 1st term: intense fatigue and low resilience, higher risk of miscarriage and, in some cases, morning sickness.
• 2nd term: vitality recovered, lower risks.
• 3rd term: return of intense fatigue, freedom of movements restrained, risk of premature birth.

It is therefore best to plan a trip in the 4th and 5th months , possibly in the 6th. When you start your 7th month, some airlines will refuse to let you board the plane  ✈️ anyway. Do not forget to follow the usual advice about wearing compression stockings and drinking plenty of water. You should also inform the cabin crew so that they are ready to assist you if necessary.

Of course you should avoid to plan long days of travelling or long hiking excursions with no breaks. It is actually best for you to take advantage of the safety, quietness and cleanliness of transport facilities in Japan, especially trains and taxis. You should wear loose-fitting clothes, carry a lightweight bag, use the excellent takuhaibin system to avoid carrying your luggage around, and drink a lot of fluids (water and tea, the latter more moderately on account of the theanine it contains).

Finally you should make a note of the contact details of hospitals where the staff will speak your language and keep them close at hand. In Tokyo for example, there is an international hospital called St Luke with an ER open around the clock (contact details: 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku / Tsukiji station, exit #3 and then a 7-minute walk / phone 03-5550-7166 in English). Through your medical insurance or credit card  💳 supplier, you are probably covered for medical expenses abroad and you can also probably call a Helpline at all times. You should also keep the details of your country's Embassy in Japan handy.

Japanese Food and Pregnancy

Food requires the most attention. There are two main diseases which you must be careful not to catch when pregnant, wherever in the world you may be.

First of all, toxoplasmosis (トキソプラズマ症 toxoplasma-shô ), a parasitic disease to which over 50% of pregnant women are not immune. It may be passed to the fetus and cause serious brain damage (about six hundred births per year in France for example). In order to avoid infection by toxoplasma gondii, which may be transmitted by cat  🐈 scratch, when cleaning cat litter boxes or by contact with contaminated soil, it is strongly recommended to stay away from the following foods:

• Raw, marinated or smoked, i.e. undercooked meat (cooked rare or extra-rare, beware of surface cooking);
• Salads, raw vegetables, unpeeled or poorly washed vegetables and fruits.

Then listeriosis (リステリア症 listeria-shô ), a bacterial infection that can also be passed to the fetus and cause premature birth, infections and even death in 30% of cases. In order to avoid listeriosis, for which the contamination rate is 20% higher for pregnant women (fortunately there are only very few cases), stay away from the following foods:

• Raw or smoked fish or seafood, i.e. most sushi (for more information, read our article Eating Sushi during Pregnancy );
• Undercooked, therefore unpasteurized pork meat and pates, food products in aspic;
• Raw and/or non-pasteurized dairy products (milk, butter, cream);
• Most cheeses, in particular those with a natural crust and soft ones (although they are not very common in Japan);
• Food products whose “Best Before” date has expired.

Pasteurization may translate as パスチャライゼーション (pronounced the English way) or 低温殺菌 teion sakkin ( sakkin meaning sterilization), but unfortunately this information does not appear on all labels.

Other food products and drinks should also be ruled out:

• Alcohol consumption, from Sake to Japanese beers although they usually have low alcohol contents;
• Soybean in large quantities, because of its hormonal content, although it is harmless over a short period;
• Raw or undercooked eggs which may contain salmonella;
• Excessive salt consumption, a risk factor for pre-eclampsia.

Despite the above restrictions, Japanese cuisine is, however, sufficiently rich and diverse to offer you a large choice of delicious dishes!

If you are not sure how a particular food has been prepared or cooked, especially in a restaurant or at an outdoor food stand, and there is no way for you to find out, you should probably not eat it out of precaution. The best option is definitely to be put up in a house or flat where you can prepare your own meals. Through a smart use of bento  🍱 boxes, you may avoid a lot of stress. Also drink bottled water rather than tap water even though water processing is generally excellent.

For those of you who are wary of possibly contaminated products from the areas affected by the nuclear disaster of March 2011, watch out for kanji 福島 (Fukushima) and 宮城 (Miyagi) generally followed by 県 ( ken , prefecture).

If you have any questions or things you want clarified, do not hesitate to contact your Doctor, gynaecologist and/or obstetrician before leaving, or even from Japan (although remember the time difference).

Japanese Specificities

Of course you cannot very well choose the season for your trip to Japan if you are pregnant. You should follow the advice given to all travelers and take extra precautions. However, it is not advisable to travel in summer because of the very hot and humid weather. In the winter , you may wear a 腹巻 haramaki to protect your tummy : it consists of a padded belt which allegedly goes back to the time of the Samurai. We strongly advise you against onsen   ♨️ where water temperature rises well over 40°C, which is very bad for the heart and bloodstream. You may occasionally visit sento which offer a large variety of baths. In any case, do not soak for too long and/or at temperatures higher than 37°C.

Because of the variety of services provided in Japan, you will daily appreciate the comfort of travelling while pregnant. You will find konbini and other vending machines on every street corner, especially in urban areas, which will make it easier for you to buy a snack or drink on the run. There are lots of escalators, for example in stations, and you should make extensive use of elevators. The Japanese are very organized and helpful and will see to it that your wait in queues and for visits is kept to a minimum. Also avoid long and frequent rides on downtown buses as it may be difficult to find a seat (for example in Kyoto ) and because the stop-start driving can be quite tough on the future mother.

Another minor inconvenience of public transport: people typically do not comply with the signs posted by the reserved seats (for the old and disabled, for pregnant women and women accompanied by young children ) at the back of train  🚅 and subway   🚇 cars  🚙 . This is quite surprising given the supposedly all-encompassing Japanese politeness. Do not hesitate to carry a copy of the official logo (the picture at the top of this article) and request that one of the reserved seats be vacated for you if you feel tired. You can say, for example: すみません、妊娠していますから。。。 Sumimasen, ninshin shiteimasu kara ("Please excuse-me, I’m pregnant").

Finally, do not forget to bring your own first-aid kit and cosmetics : moisturizing and sun cream (especially in summer), face care cream and care for stretch marks. Japan obviously offers a large variety of all such products but it will hardly be the right moment for you to scrutinize labels or try new products, allowing, moreover, for the risk of allergies and intolerances.

If you plan to stay longer or even give birth in Tokyo, and you can visit the Tokyo Pregnancy Group website where you will find all the information you need.

• Flights and Airports
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Internet & Phones
• Budget and money
• Japanese Food
• Visit with Kids
• Seasons: spring / summer / autumn / winter
• Weather forecast
• Time in Japan
• Holidays & Festivals
• Natural Disasters
• Customs and Duties
• Works and Closures
• June 6 -- Beginning of the rainy season (Tsuyu) in Japan
• June 21 -- Summer starts in Japan
• From July 1 to 31 -- Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto with float processions on July 17 and 24
• July 1 -- Season start for climbing Mount Fuji
• July 15 -- Sea day / Umi no Hi in Japan (holiday)
• July 17 -- Tokyo Day
• Tokyo : Shinjuku , Shibuya , Harajuku , Asakusa , Akihabara , Odaiba , Ikebukuro , Ueno , Roppongi , Chiyoda , Ryogoku ...
• Around Tokyo: Kamakura , Nikko , Hakone , Mount Fuji , Mount Takao , Yokohama ...
• Kansai: Kyoto , Nara , Osaka , Mount Koya , Himeji , Kobe , Kinosaki , Kumano Kodo , Ise ...
• Japanese Alps: Kanazawa , Matsumoto , Takayama , Shirakawa-go , Nakasendo ...
• West: Hiroshima , Miyajima , Shikoku , Onomichi , Naoshima , Izumo , Kurashiki , Matsue ...
• South: Kyushu , Okinawa , Yakushima ...
• North: Hokkaido , Tohoku ...

• Temples and Shrines
• Gardens and Parks
• Hiking and Trekking
• Observation Decks
• Public Baths (Onsen and Sento)
• Festivals (Matsuri)
• Amusement Parks
• Visit on a Budget / Luxury

Keikaku is a travel agency specialist of Japan and providing different kind of services:

• Japan Rail Pass
• English speaking Guides
• Pocket Wi-fi
• Japan Nightlife
• Working in Japan
• Religion and Spirituality
• Arts and History
• Movies / Animated Movies
• Japanese Music
• Studio Ghibli
• Photos / Videos
• Weird Japan
• Translations
• Kana & Kanji
• Japanese Swear Words
• Honorific Suffixes (san, kun, chan...)
• Introducing yourself
• Thank you / Apologize
• Count / Say Your Age
• Say the Date / Tell the Time
• Happy birthday
• Enjoy Your Meal
• Writing your name

Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method.

Ask any kind of question and share your knowledge about Japan in Kanpai’s community space, our Q&A section Kotaete.

Isshoni means "together" in Japanese: share your trip details (dates, places you would like to visit) and find companions to travel in Japan.

Create your Kanpai account to manage your profile and view your participation history (questions, answers).

Inquiries/orders

More results...

• Basic Information
• Public Transport
• Intercity Trains and Buses
• On The Road
• Sightseeing in Central Tokyo
• Day Trips from Central Tokyo
• Sightseeing References & Tour Agencies
• Air Travel in Japan
• Internet for Travelers
• Food & Drink
• Entertainment
• Visitor Attractions
• Parks & Gardens
• Visas & Residency
• Settling In
• Language & Culture
• Work & Business
• Car Ownership
• Body Care & Fitness
• Medical Care
• Crime & Personal Safety
• Emergencies & Disaster Prevention
• Natural Disasters
• Venue Finder
• About The Expat’s Guide
• Terms & Privacy
• Corporate Info
• Inquiries/Orders
• > Public Transport
• > Inter-city Travel
• > Sightseeing in Central Tokyo
• > Day Trips from Central Tokyo
• > Sightseeing References & Tour Agencies
• > On The Road
• > Air Travel in Japan
• > Internet for Travelers
• > Food & Drink
• > Entertainment
• > Visitor Attractions
• > Parks & Gardens
• > Visas & Residency
• > Settling In
• > Language & Culture
• > Work & Business
• > Education
• > Community
• > Car Ownership
• > Body Care & Fitness
• > Medical Care
• > Crime & Personal Safety
• > Emergencies
• > Natural Disasters
• > About The Expat’s Guide
• > Terms & Privacy
• > Corporate Info
• > Inquiries/Orders

Having a Baby in Japan

Boshi-techo.

Maternity Mark

Medical Expense Subsidy Program for Children

To receive the subsidy, both the parent and child must reside in the city or ward from which they are receiving the subsidy, and be covered through Japanese public health insurance. Income-related restrictions depend on the local government.

For more information please consult your local municipal office.

The Expat’s Guide to Japan

Andrew Henderson

Founder of Nomad Capitalist and the world’s most sought-after expert on global citizenship.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

What we’re all about

MEET OUR TEAM

Meet our 80+ global team

We’re here to serve you

Your questions answered

TESTIMONIALS

Read our testimonials

Get free email updates

ACTION PLAN

Our flagship service for entrepreneurs and investors

ACTION PLAN ELITE

Create your Action Plan directly with the Mr. Henderson himself

CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT

Claim a second passport based on familial connections

ALL SERVICES

Click here to see all our products and services

GOING OFFSHORE

Offshore Banking

Offshore Company

Offshore Trust

Offshore Gold Storage

Offshore For Americans

SECOND CITIZENSHIP

Second Passport

Citizenship By Investment

Citizenship By Ancestry

Dual Citizenship Benefits

EU Citizenship

SECOND RESIDENCE

Second Residence

Golden Visas

Residence By Investment

EU Residence

Tax Residence

FINANCE & INVESTMENTS

Tax Reduction

International Investment

Cryptocurrency

Foreign Real Estate

Asset Protection

NOMAD LIFESTYLE

Flag Theory

Lifestyle Design

Plan B Strategy

Hiring Overseas

Living In Eastern Europe

PASSPORT INDEX

Discover the world’s best passports to have in an ever-changing world

CITIZENSHIP MAP

Explore the citizenship options using our interactive citizenship map

Explore the tax details for countries using our interactive tax map

ALL RESEARCH

Click here to see all of our research and interactive tools

THE WORLD’S #1 OFFSHORE EVENT

Kuala lumpur | september 25-28, 2024.

Learn from our R&D playbook and meet like-minded people at our annual event.

NOMAD CAPITALIST THE BOOK

Andrew Henderson wrote the #1 best-selling book that redefines life as a diversified, global citizen in the 21st century… and how you can join the movement.

Birth Tourism: 31 Countries Giving Birthright Citizenship

Last updated October 28, 2020

Dateline: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

If you have spent any time on our blog, you probably already know that there are a number of ways to get a second passport , depending on how badly you want one.

We recently discussed 13 citizenships you could get rather easily by using one of the oldest tricks in the book: marrying a foreigner .

However, obtaining second citizenship for your children and future generations is just as important – if not more so. 

For years, surveys such as The Best Places to Be Born , the Better Life Index , the Human Development Report , and many Quality o f Life Indices have chronicled where children are likely to have it best.

I recently discussed this in my article on tips for parents-to-be , suggesting that parents who apply our principles of international diversification practice something called “ birth tourism .”

If you live in the United States, you have probably heard the term “anchor baby” – when a non-citizen gives birth to a child in a country with birthright citizenship to gain residence and citizenship advantages – positioned in a bad light. However, there is nothing stopping you from using the same principle to give your kids a head start in other countries around the world.

Parents have a unique opportunity to choose the best country to give birth in. It’s an opportunity even western citizens should consider since even the “first world” United Kingdom failed to crack the top 20 places in which to give birth, falling behind the likes of Montenegro and Lithuania . The study concluded that children born in Britain suffer higher infant mortality rates than many emerging countries.

So, how can you take advantage of the quality of life in other countries to give your child a better future by securing them a second passport just by being born? In this article, we’ll tell you how and where you can take advantage of birthright citizenship to do just that, and maybe even earn a second passport for yourself in the process.

How Does Birth Tourism Work?

When it comes to determining a child’s citizenship at birth, countries usually apply one of two rights: jus soli (right of soil) or jus sanguinis (right of blood).  Jus soli grants citizenship merely on the basis of being born “on the soil” of the country in question.  Jus sanguinis determines the child’s citizenship based on the parents’ nationality.

Birth tourism is simple: give birth in a country that grants citizenship based on  jus soli and provides benefits to all children born there. This will not only give your child a better qualify of life but also entitle them to a second passport immediately from birth. In many cases, parents of such children enjoy a faster naturalization timeline as well.

The process of “ jus soli ” is generally available to anyone who has a child within the territory of a country with birthright citizenship, even if they are a temporary resident or an illegal alien. The only people whose children do not qualify for instant citizenship are diplomats.

These countries offer what is called “ absolute jus soli ,” meaning that the biggest hurdle you’ll face in some countries is having to register your bundle of joy with the local authorities to secure their passport.

The United States and Canada are the only “first world countries” that offer unconditional citizenship to children born in the territory, although there are plenty of other excellent places that I would actually prefer to live in that offer this as well.

Here in Asia, Mainland Chinese parents often seek to give birth in Hong Kong to obtain the “right of abode” for their children. (Hong Kongers are Chinese citizens, but with special privileges to reside in Hong Kong.)

Of course, we know that the United States offers birthright citizenship for the same reasons that ancient Rome did: to increase the number of US tax-payers needed to pay off the country’s catastrophic debts.

Giving birth to a child in the United States is setting them up for a lifetime of taxes which they can’t even get out of without renouncing their citizenship. That means even opening a bank account for their college savings will require you to file paperwork with the US government.

What Countries Offer Birthright Citizenship?

For those who want to bestow their child with a second citizenship outside of the highly taxed western world, there are a number of places that offer “jus soli” or birthright of the soil.

Any child born within that country’s territory becomes a citizen at birth, and there are dozens of countries whose laws allow the practice. So, which countries automatically give a passport and citizenship to children born there, regardless of the nationality of the child’s parents?

Almost two decades ago, Ireland amended its constitution to end their practice as the last European country offering unconditional citizenship rights to children born to two foreign parents. Malta had amended theirs earlier, too. Other countries, such as Australia , have similarly tightened their laws.

But when you follow the birth tourism blueprint, you can forget about dual citizenship and give your child multiple citizenships .

Here is the full list of the best countries in which to give birth when seeking birth tourism options, excluding countries where a ban on the practice is currently underway.

• El Salvador
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United States

*For a child to become a Chilean citizen at birth, their parents must already have a temporary or permanent residence in Chile at the time of their birth.

**As of September 2020, Portugal is just a few formalities away from expanding its jus soli laws granting birthright citizenship to children born on Portuguese soil. Currently, children born in Portugal to foreign nationals can obtain citizenship at birth if at least one parent has been a resident for two years or more. The new law would reduce that timeline to one year. 

This is an especially attractive change for Golden Visa investors in Portugal as they will now have the opportunity to bestow Portuguese citizenship on their children after just one year of residence.

The Best Birth Tourism Countries

Out of that list are a few gems…

Panama, Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are particularly noted for their quality medical care , including for world-class facilities that make giving birth there not only easy but much cheaper than any country in the West.

Two of the countries — Dominica and St. Kitts and Nevis — sell economic citizenships for six-figure price tags and even charge for your children to receive a passport, as well. Other countries that used to offer citizenship by investment programs, such as Belize, are also attractive birth tourism options.

Similar to how US persons complain of illegal immigrants getting access to welfare benefits for their US citizen child, several countries on this list offer the ability to fast track your own naturalization as the parent of a local child.

In Brazil, the wait is only one year, prompting my friend Neil Strauss to suggest “knocking up a Brazilian girl” in his book Emergency . But in all seriousness, even foreigners on tourist visas can give birth on Brazilian soil, earning their child immediate Brazilian citizenship and a one-year timeline to their own naturalization. You can learn more about Brazil’s birthright citizenship laws here .

Most other countries will fast track the parents’ naturalization so that you will be able to get citizenship in two to seven years. 

And surprisingly, some of these countries offer remarkably good passports . Holders of passports from Argentina, Costa Rica, Mexico , Panama , St. Kitts and Nevis, Uruguay , and Venezuela enjoy visa-free travel to all of Central and South America as well Europe’s borderless Schengen Area and almost every country in Europe.

Some even offer travel privileges to countries that westerners do not have visa-free access to, like Russia.

Guatemala passport holders enjoy all of these privileges save the right to travel to Mexico. Nicaragua citizens enjoy Schengen area access, but more limited options within the Americas. And even some of the lesser passports here allow for visa-free travel of some sort to the UK, Ireland, Malaysia, and Singapore.

For someone interested in raising their family in the world’s emerging markets, the Peruvian passport allows for more visa-free travel to Southeast Asia and South American countries than most “first world” passports.

Outside of Canada and Chile , none of these citizenships will allow your child to visit the United States visa-free. But if you’re reading this, you might actually view that as an added benefit rather than a detriment.

Keeping your child in a growing, more laissez-faire environment is the best way to make the most of his or her birth tourism citizenship.

Be careful that you have the most up-to-date information before giving birth overseas, as a number of countries have ended their policy of giving citizenship based on birthplace; these include Australia, most recently, as well as New Zealand, Ireland, France, Malta, the Dominican Republic (which led to tens of thousands of deportations ), and India.

Of course, only you can determine how far you want to take the second citizenship and birth tourism game in an effort to bestow as many nationalities on your children as possible.

And if you happen to be pregnant now, you could always book your hospital stay and join us for one of our upcoming events on the beach.

GET ACTIONABLE TIPS FOR REDUCING TAXES AND BUILDING FREEDOM OVERSEAS

Sign up for our Weekly Rundown packed with hand-picked insights on global citizenship, offshore tax planning, and new places to diversify.

Are you a US citizen?

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

What is Panama’s Qualified Investor ‘Red Carpet’ Visa? 

If you imagine Panama is full of dirt roads, rural squalor and economic disadvantage, think again....

How to Get Serbian Citizenship by Exception

What do Johnny Depp, Steven Seagal, and Ralph Fiennes have in common?  Well, apart from the...

How Does Italy’s ‘La Dolce Visa’, Work? 

How do you even begin to explain the charm of Italy for expats?  Italy's attractions include...

Malta’s Permanent Residence Program: The Ultimate Guide

Arriving in Malta at the break of dawn, the first glimpse of the island emerges from the quiet...

How to Pay Zero or Low Taxes in Malaysia (Territorial Tax)

Malaysia is beautiful, but don't just take our word for it. It's been officially recognised as the...

How to Pay Zero or Low Taxes in Costa Rica (Territorial Tax)

Costa Rica offers a stable political climate, a strong expat community, and good infrastructure....

Get the Right Passport for You

We’ve helped our clients obtain 28 different country’s citizenships, from often-overlooked ancestry programs, to fast-tracked investment options, and even exclusive programs for HNWIs. Don’t limit yourself; let Nomad Capitalist’s unbiased approach help you find the best option.

What do you want to accomplish?

Let us know your goal and we will tell you how we can help you based on your details.

REDUCE TAXES OFFSHORE

CREATE A GLOBAL PLAN B

DIVERSIFY AND PROTECT WEALTH

UNITED STATES

UNITED KINGDOM

EU COUNTRIES

Tax Amount ($US Dollars)

POLITICAL INSTABILITY

ECONOMIC INSTABILITY

MISSED OPPORTUNITIES

TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

HIGH TAX LIABILITIES

RISK MANAGEMENT

MARKET PROTECTION

WEALTH PRESERVATION

OPPORTUNITY CAPITALIZATION

ESTATE PLANNING

Email Address

We handle your data according to our Privacy Policy . By entering your email address you grant us permission to send you the report and follow up emails later.

Everything you want to know about Japan

Can a tourist give birth in Japan?

Introduction.

Japan is a popular tourist destination for its rich culture, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes. However, many tourists wonder if they can give birth in Japan. In this article, we will explore the regulations and requirements for tourists who wish to give birth in Japan.

The legal requirements for giving birth in Japan

Japan has strict regulations for foreigners who wish to give birth in the country. According to the Japanese Nationality Act, a child born in Japan is considered a Japanese citizen only if one of the parents is a Japanese citizen at the time of the child’s birth. Therefore, if both parents are foreign nationals, the child will not be granted Japanese citizenship.

Medical facilities and services for tourists

Japan has excellent medical facilities and services that cater to both locals and tourists. The country has some of the best hospitals in the world with state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained medical professionals. However, tourists who wish to give birth in Japan must ensure that they have sufficient medical insurance coverage to cover any medical expenses that may arise.

Language barriers

Japanese is the official language of Japan, and many medical professionals may not speak English fluently. Tourists who wish to give birth in Japan must ensure that they have access to an interpreter or translator who can help them communicate with their medical providers effectively.

Visa requirements

Tourists who wish to give birth in Japan must ensure that they have a valid visa that allows them to stay in the country for an extended period. Pregnant women cannot enter Japan on a short-term tourist visa as they will not be allowed to stay long enough to give birth.

Costs of giving birth in Japan

Giving birth in Japan can be expensive, and tourists must be prepared to cover all costs associated with their pregnancy and delivery. The cost of prenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care can vary depending on the hospital and location.

Cultural differences

Japan has a unique culture that may differ from what tourists are used to in their home countries. Tourists who wish to give birth in Japan must be prepared to adapt to cultural differences and customs that may impact their birthing experience.

Preparation before traveling

Tourists who wish to give birth in Japan must ensure that they have all necessary documents and paperwork completed before traveling. This includes obtaining a valid visa, registering with a hospital or clinic in advance, and ensuring that they have sufficient medical insurance coverage.

Choosing a hospital or clinic

Tourists who wish to give birth in Japan must research and choose a hospital or clinic that meets their needs. They should consider factors such as location, reputation, language support, and cost when making their decision.

Prenatal care

Prenatal care is essential for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. Tourists who wish to give birth in Japan must ensure that they receive quality prenatal care from qualified medical professionals throughout their pregnancy.

The birthing process

The birthing process in Japan may differ from what tourists are used to in their home countries. Tourists must be prepared for cultural differences, such as different pain management options or customs surrounding childbirth.

Postnatal care

Postnatal care is critical for both mother and baby after delivery. Tourists who give birth in Japan must ensure that they receive adequate postnatal care from qualified medical professionals to promote a healthy recovery for both mother and baby.

In conclusion, while it is possible for tourists to give birth in Japan, there are several legal requirements, cultural differences, language barriers, and financial costs that must be considered before making this decision. Tourists must research thoroughly and plan accordingly before embarking on this journey.

How much does it cost to give birth in Japan as a foreigner?

The average cost for a single birth in Japan is typically between 500,000 to 600,000 yen (equivalent to approximately $3,000-$4,000 USD). However, the government offers a subsidy of 420,000 yen ($2,800 USD), which will cover a significant portion of the cost. This information was current as of November 4th, 2022.

Is my child a citizen if I give birth in Japan?

A child can become a Japanese national at birth in three specific cases, as outlined in Article 2 of the Japanese Nationality Act. One of these cases is if either the father or mother is a Japanese national at the time of the child’s birth.

How do I get a visa for my newborn in Japan?

In Japan, if a person is born and stays in the country for more than 60 days, it is required to apply for a status of residence at the Regional Immigration Services Bureau within 30 days of their birth. If their application is approved, they will receive a new residence card.

What happens if an American gives birth in Japan?

If a non-Japanese national gives birth in Japan and is not married to a Japanese citizen, their child will not be granted Japanese citizenship. However, if the foreign mother reports the birth to the embassy or consulate of her home country in Japan, the child may be eligible for citizenship in that country.

Why is it so expensive to give birth in Japan?

In Japan, the expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth are expensive as they are not covered by insurance. However, individuals can receive subsidies regardless of their income and nationality by enrolling in the health insurance system, which includes National Health Insurance and Social Insurance, to save money. This information was last updated on August 5th, 2020.

What are the benefits of pregnant in Japan?

Individuals who report their pregnancy will receive benefits worth 50,000 yen, with an additional 50,000 yen given upon filing a childbirth report. The government has allocated funds for these benefits through their second supplementary budget for fiscal 2022.

Alternative options for giving birth in Japan

For tourists who are unable or unwilling to give birth in Japan, there are alternative options available. Some tourists may choose to give birth in their home country or another location that is more convenient or familiar to them. Others may choose to participate in medical tourism programs that provide access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services in other countries.

Important considerations for giving birth abroad

Regardless of where a tourist chooses to give birth, there are important considerations that must be taken into account. These include the legal requirements for citizenship, the quality of medical care and facilities, language barriers, cultural differences, and financial costs. Tourists must carefully research and plan before making any decisions about giving birth abroad.

The role of travel insurance

Travel insurance can be an essential tool for tourists who wish to give birth abroad. Travel insurance can help cover the costs of medical care and other expenses associated with pregnancy and delivery. However, tourists must ensure that their travel insurance policy provides adequate coverage for their specific needs and circumstances.

The importance of seeking professional advice

Giving birth abroad can be a complex and challenging process, and tourists must seek professional advice from qualified experts before making any decisions. This may include consulting with a travel doctor, seeking legal advice on citizenship requirements, or speaking with a medical tourism provider to learn more about available options and services.

Finding support during pregnancy and after delivery

Pregnancy and childbirth can be emotionally challenging for tourists who are far from home and their support networks. It is essential for tourists who choose to give birth abroad to find local support networks, such as expat groups or online communities, that can provide emotional support and guidance throughout their pregnancy and after delivery.

The benefits of giving birth abroad

Despite the challenges and risks involved, giving birth abroad can also offer many benefits for tourists. These may include access to high-quality medical care and facilities, exposure to new cultures and experiences, and the opportunity to create lasting memories with family members or partners.

In conclusion

While giving birth in Japan as a tourist is possible, it requires careful planning, preparation, and consideration of legal requirements, cultural differences, language barriers, financial costs, and other important factors. Tourists must seek professional advice and support networks to ensure a safe and healthy pregnancy and delivery experience.

Related posts:

• What happens if you have a baby in Japan?
• What happens when a foreigner gives birth in Japan?
• What happens if I give birth in Japan?
• What are the benefits of pregnancy in Japan?

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Ads Blocker Detected!!!

We have detected that you are using extensions to block ads. Please support us by disabling these ads blocker.

A Japanese woman was asked to take a pregnancy test before flying to a US island that has become popular for birth tourism

• The Wall Street Journal reports that a 25-year-old Japanese woman was asked to take a pregnancy test before she could board a plane to the US territory of Saipan, an island in the Pacific.
• Hong Kong Express Airways told The Wall Street Journal that the test was in response to "concerns raised by authorities in Saipan," which has become a birth-tourism destination.
• In 2018, more tourists than residents gave birth in the Northern Mariana Islands, where Saipan is the largest island and where some pregnant women are traveling so their children are eligible for US citizenship.
• The Japanese woman was not pregnant and said so on a check-in questionnaire, but airline staff had her sign a permission form for women thought to appear pregnant.
• Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

In November, a 25-year-old Japanese citizen named Midori Nishida was checking in to a flight to Saipan, a US island in the Pacific, where she was going to visit her parents. She wasn't pregnant, and said so on a check-in questionnaire, but airline staff made her take a pregnancy test anyway before she was allowed to board.

The Wall Street Journal reports that Nishida was asked to give permission to an authorized medical provider to conduct a "fit-to-fly" assessment. The form was apparently meant for women who had a body size or shape resembling a pregnant woman.

Nishida told The Journal it was "very humiliating and frustrating" to be escorted to a public restroom where she was handed a strip to urinate on. She did not test positive and was able to board the flight.

Related stories

Hong Kong Express Airways said the test was in response to "concerns raised by authorities in Saipan," where so-called birth tourism resulted in more tourists giving birth there than residents in 2018.

Some pregnant women are specifically giving birth in Saipan so their children are eligible for US citizenship. Many of the tourists giving birth in the Northern Mariana Islands, where Saipan is the largest island, are from China.

Chinese citizens can visit the Northern Marianas without a visa — the only US soil where they can do so — and 575 Chinese tourists gave birth there in 2018, according to The Journal, up from 12 in 2009, the year the China visa-waiver program meant to encourage tourism was introduced.

While it isn't illegal for pregnant women to travel to the US or give birth in the country or its territories, immigration authorities can send back tourists who lie about their purpose of travel or are intending to have a medical procedure. The financial burden then falls on the airlines, which are required to take back passengers who are denied entry.

Hong Kong Express Airways further specified that the pregnancy test was meant "to help ensure US immigration laws were not being undermined." The airline has suspended the practice, however, and apologized to passengers who were affected.

Authorities of the Northern Marianas have asked airlines to "reinforce prescreening measures" but have not specifically asked that pregnancy tests be administered.

• Iran's only female Olympic medalist defected to Europe, citing the country's oppressive treatment of women in a goodbye Instagram post
• 7 bombs struck an Iraqi joint military base housing US soldiers, wounding 4
• Janelle Monáe appeared to come out as non-binary in a Twitter post
• Prince William said he and Harry are 'separate entities' following his brother and Meghan Markle's plans to 'step back' from royal life, according to a friend

Follow INSIDER on Facebook .

Watch: How traditional Japanese candy art is made

• Main content

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

US imposes visa rules for pregnant women on ‘birth tourism’

FILE - In this Sept. 2017 file photo, a flag is waved outside the White House, in Washington. The Trump administration is coming out with new visa restrictions aimed at restricting a practice known as “birth tourism.” That refers to cases when women travel to the United States to give birth so their children can have U.S. citizenship. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

• Copy Link copied

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration is imposing new visa rules aimed at restricting “birth tourism,” in which women travel to the United States to give birth so their children can have U.S. citizenship. The regulations, which take effect Friday, address one of President Donald Trump’s main political priorities.

The regulations seek to chip away at the number of foreigners who take advantage of the constitutional provision granting“birthright citizenship” to anyone born in the United States, a particular peeve of Trump’s. Under the new rules, pregnant applicants will be denied a tourist visa unless they can prove they must come to the U.S. to give birth for medical reasons and they have money to pay for it or have another compelling reason — not just because they want their child to have an American passport.

Officials said that consular officers will not be asking all female visa applicants of child-bearing age whether they are pregnant or intend to get pregnant. Rather, they said consular officers would ask the question only if they had reason to believe the applicant is pregnant and likely or planning to give birth in the U.S.

Visual cues such as appearing to be pregnant or listing “medical treatment” as a reason for wanting to travel to the United States might trigger such questioning, the officials said. Even if a woman is found to be pregnant and likely to deliver her child in the United States, she could still be granted a visa if she was able to demonstrate a valid reason for the travel such a visiting an ailing relative or attending a business meeting or conference, they said.

Officials said the rule will not apply to foreign travelers coming from any of the 39 mainly European and Asian countries enrolled in the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens of those countries to come the U.S. without a visa for temporary stays. The rule will only apply to applicants for so-called “B” class visas that permit short-term stays for business or pleasure.

“Closing this glaring immigration loophole will combat these endemic abuses and ultimately protect the United States from the national security risks created by this practice,” White House press secretary Stephanie Grisham said in a statement. “It will also defend American taxpayers from having their hard-earned dollars siphoned away to finance the direct and downstream costs associated with birth tourism. The integrity of American citizenship must be protected.”

The practice of traveling to the U.S. to give birth is fundamentally legal, although there are scattered cases of authorities arresting operators of birth tourism agencies for visa fraud or tax evasion. And women are often honest about their intentions when applying for visas and even show signed contracts with doctors and hospitals.

The State Department “does not believe that visiting the United States for the primary purpose of obtaining U.S. citizenship for a child, by giving birth in the United States — an activity commonly referred to as ‘birth tourism’ — is a legitimate activity for pleasure or of a recreational nature,” according to the new rules, which were published Thursday in the Federal Register.

Birth tourism is a business where companies for a steep fee offer foreign women the chance to come the U.S. on a tourist visa, have a baby, get medical care, get citizenship, have a place to stay with their newborn, and then leave. It’s distinct from what Trump and his allies deride as “anchor babies,” referring to poor women who enter the U.S. illegally at the U.S.-Mexico border to give birth to a child and then stay in the U.S. illegally. But the end result is the same: a coveted U.S. passport.

The Trump administration also has turned away pregnant women coming over the U.S.-Mexico border as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Those women were initially part of a “vulnerable” group that included others like small children who were allowed in, while tens of thousands of other asylum seekers have been returned to Mexico to wait out their cases.

The Trump administration has been restricting all forms of immigration, but the president has been particularly troubled by birthright citizenship. Trump has railed against the practice and threatened to end it, but scholars and members of his administration have said it’s not so easy to do.

Birth tourism is a lucrative business in both the U.S. and abroad. Companies take out advertisements and charge up to $80,000 to facilitate the practice. Many of the women travel from Russia and China to give birth in the U.S.

The U.S. has been cracking down on the practice since before Trump took office.

“An entire ‘birth tourism’ industry has evolved to assist pregnant women from other countries to come to the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for their children by giving birth in the United States, and thereby entitle their children to the benefits of U.S. citizenship,” according to the State Department rules.

Elena Balmiler, the founder of the Florida firm AIST USA, which caters to Russian mothers-to-be, said she did not expect the new rules would stop her business. She said her business gets about 60 queries a month and had 45 clients last year, because Trump has been unable to end birthright citizenship.

“So far it has resulted in nothing but intentions, guesses, publications and projections,” she said. “Not a single person has changed their mind to fly to the USA because Trump plans to stop (birthright) citizenship.”

There are no figures on how many foreign women travel to the U.S. specifically to give birth. The Center for Immigration Studies, a group that advocates for stricter immigration laws, estimated that in 2012 about 36,000 foreign-born women gave birth in the U.S. and then left the country.

“This rule will help eliminate the criminal activity associated with the birth tourism industry,” according to the rules. “The recent federal indictments describe birth tourism schemes in which foreign nationals applied for visitor visas to come to the United States and lied to consular officers about the duration of their trips, where they would stay, and their purpose of travel.”

Associated Press writer Ellen Knickmeyer contributed to this report.

Japan weighs incentivizing childbirth by fully covering expenses

The Japanese government is considering fully covering expenses for child delivery under the public medical insurance system from fiscal 2026, in its latest effort to battle declining births, sources familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

Under the medical insurance system in Japan, people basically pay 10 to 30 percent of medical costs out of pocket when they receive treatment for illness and injuries. Normal deliveries, excluding cases like cesarean sections, are not considered illnesses and therefore not covered.

However, a plan has emerged to create a new framework within the system to cover childbirth expenses without any out-of-pocket payments.

Since medical institutions can set their own prices for normal deliveries, childbirth costs in the country have largely differed among prefectures, with the national average standing at around 503,000 yen ($3,200) as of May 2023.

Government data from fiscal 2022 showed that childbirth was most expensive in Tokyo, averaging 605,000 yen, and cheapest in Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan, at 361,000 yen.

If childbirth becomes qualified for the public coverage, a unified price will be set nationwide.

The government currently provides a lump-sum payment of 500,000 yen for each childbirth, increased from 420,000 yen in April 2023 as delivery costs have been on the rise amid inflation and increased expenses related to medical staff.

If normal delivery becomes covered, the current lump-sum childbirth allowance will likely end, which may disappoint households who could have benefited from extra income if delivery costs were below 500,000 yen.

The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare and the Children and Families Agency will set up an expert panel possibly next month to delve into issues including defining the scope of normal delivery to be covered by insurance, the sources said.

People will likely have to pay out of pocket if the insurance coverage of normal delivery excludes painless labor and extra services like staying in private rooms.

The panel is expected to be joined by professionals from medical institutions and people who can represent expecting mothers and the child-rearing generation, among others, according to the sources.

Related coverage:

Japan renews child population low in 43rd straight year of decline

Number of young women to halve in 40% of Japan localities by 2050

Japan's population falls for 13th straight year, pinned below 125 million

May 22, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Japanese town installs barrier to block viral Mt. Fuji photo spot

May 21, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Japan ranks 3rd among top world travel destinations: report

Japan minister queries women's worth without birth in election speech.

May 18, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

2 Chinese held for stealing 999 pairs of branded sneakers in Tokyo

More from Japan

Kyodo News Digest: May 26, 2024

2 hours ago | KYODO NEWS

Kishida conveys Japan's concern about China military activities

Japan PM to discuss N. Korea in summit with S. Korea, China leaders

May 26, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Japan to create flood projection maps for 4 Southeast Asian nations

Foreign thieves likely behind stolen Japan bonsai amid boom abroad

G7 singles out China over overproduction, debates Russian asset use

Kyodo News Digest: May 25, 2024

May 25, 2024 | KYODO NEWS

Inmate who confessed to 1995 shooting of Japan's top policeman dies

Subscribe to get daily news.

To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox, subscribe here. Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription.

* Something went wrong

Please check your inbox for a confirmation email.

If you wish to change your message, press 'Cancel' to go back and edit.

Thank you for reaching out to us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.