Japanese writer and former political candidate Kotoe Hashimoto announced the birth of her seventh child. Her post on X dated 29 August 2026 instantly went viral.
She published a photo of herself holding the newborn in her arms and thanked the doctors, midwives and nurses. The post garnered 27 million views.
In a subsequent message, Hashimoto wrote: "I believe that now is the time for Japanese women to have children. The flourishing or decline of our nation depends on the active role of women."
She also reported that she had submitted documents to register the child's birth as a Japanese citizen. A few days later, Hashimoto was discharged from the hospital.
The news came amid a record low birth rate in the country. In 2025, about 671 thousand children were born in Japan — the smallest number since 1899 and the tenth consecutive year of decline.
The total fertility rate fell to a historic low of 1.14. What effect can one high-profile example have on the overall demographic situation?
Hashimoto's message sparked widespread discussion online: some support her call, while others debate the real causes of the crisis and possible solutions.
