A comment from Dr. Haruka Sakamoto, Senior Manager at Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI), was featured in the Nikkei article published on July 26, 2025.

This article sheds light on the growing issue of “long-distance childbirth,” a phenomenon arising from the sharp decline in maternity facilities in rural areas of Japan. While acknowledging that the centralization of maternity services is, to some extent, inevitable, Ms. Sakamoto stressed the importance of taking region-specific factors—such as population size and available medical resources—into careful consideration. She also pointed out the urgent need for national-level support for facility management and the development of a work environment where obstetricians can practice with peace of mind in rural areas.

For more details, please see the full article here.
*The article is available in Japanese only and requires a Nikkei subscription to view.

HGPI has been continuously engaged in policy advocacy on issues surrounding the perinatal care system. In 2023, the Institute published an urgent recommendation titled, “The Ideal System for Obstetric Care in Japan in the Era of Birthrate Decline,” which called for the inclusion of childbirth in health insurance coverage, the correction of regional disparities, and measures to reduce out-of-pocket costs for expectant mothers. In 2024, HGPI compiled key discussion points in the document “The Ideal System for Perinatal Medical Care in Japan in the Era of Declining Birth Rates,” addressing topics such as the securement of obstetric personnel, work style reforms, and reducing the burden on pregnant women resulting from the centralization of services.

HGPI will continue to advocate for policies that deliver a strong national message of support for childbirth and childrearing, and promote on-the-ground solutions that meet the real needs of communities.