One in three Japanese women are fearful of their boss’ opinion of them if they decided to have a child and go on maternity leave. Despite improved laws and company policies, expecting mothers aren’t feeling comfortable in the workplace due to social pressures in their offices.

With more women than ever working in Japan, the need for quick, nutritious meals has become of utmost importance for busy wives and mothers. How have depachikas – food halls in department stores across the country – helped overturn cultural stigmas surrounding ready meals?

By 2020, Japan's prime minister Shinzō Abe wants women to fill 30% of the nation's senior management roles. Yet despite efforts to get women into work, a growing number are targeting domestic bliss. Are dreams of a family funded by a high-earning husband anything more than a fairytale?

A blog penned by an angry Japanese mother in which she complains about having to quit her job due to the shortage in places at daycare centres recently went viral. And it’s led to an outcry for more childcare services from the government. But why is daycare such a big deal to parents in Japan?