The emperor’s son Naruhito and his wife Masako were expected to bear a son, but despite much speculation and concern they remain childless. Next in line to the throne are Naruhito’s brother’s daughters. The situation in the royal family mirrors a broader development in Japanese society. A new trend can be seen in workplaces and maternity wards. “Women can chose to marry or divorce… They can have a child by their own. This has shaken traditional Japanese values”, says a sociologist. With more women choosing a career, birth rates have plummeted to 1.34. And those who do want a baby often prefer a girl. Still regarded as “flowers” in the workplace, Japanese women are fighting back.

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