When a couple faced the decision of where to raise their child, they opted for Japan over the US, citing safety, affordability, and family support as key factors. The wife, who is Japanese, left the US at six months pregnant to have the baby in Japan, while the husband, an American, joined her a few months later.
Prior to the move, concerns about raising a child in their one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta, a city with a high crime rate, prompted the couple to seek a safer and more nurturing environment for their growing family. The decision was solidified after a hospital stay in Atlanta resulted in a hefty bill, leading the wife to fly to Japan for the birth.
Upon arrival in Japan, the wife and newborn son were welcomed by family support and affordable healthcare. The cost of delivering the baby in Japan was significantly lower compared to the US, with government subsidies covering a portion of the expenses.
Living in Japan provided a sense of safety and community for the family, with neighbors and strangers alike showing warmth towards the child. The couple also appreciated the government-subsidized daycare options, which made childcare more accessible and affordable compared to the US.
While the couple plans for their son to attend elementary school in Japan to embrace the language and culture, concerns about the education system beyond that point have led them to consider a return to the US for junior high and high school. Issues such as lack of critical thinking and bullying in Japanese schools have influenced their decision-making process.
Despite weighing the pros and cons, the couple is content with their choice to raise their son in Japan for the time being, where they feel it is safe, nurturing, and conducive to their family's well-being.
