---

1. Do you have children? If yes, tell us about each one (name, age, occupation, character). If no, how many brothers and sisters do you have? What do they do?
2. In Japan, many people in Tokyo only have one child but in the countryside 2, 3 or 4 kids is common. What, to you, is the ideal number? Why?
3. In Japan, for many centuries, it used to be that male babies were preferred. Why do you think that was?
4. These days, women are more likely to hope it is a girl. Why do you think that is?
5. Tell us about what a ‘hikkikomori’ is. What causes these cases?
6. If a friend told you they were expecting a child, what advice would you give them? What is it really important to teach kids to be or do or think?

---

Question 1

I don't have any children and can't imagine having one in the near future. I do have one younger sister who currently lives in Melbourne, Australia. Her name is Antonia (female derivative for Antonio). She is studying food science at the University of Melbourne and plan to graduate within the next two years. We fight a lot when it comes to grades and achievements! Our parents rewards those who perform well academically with various things.

Question 2

I would say that 2 children is ideal for me since keeping track of each child's progress won't be too complicated. Travelling abroad will also be quite convenient with an even number of people.

Question 3

Male babies were preferred because it was believed that only men are able to become a family's successor. Most career paths in Japan were also "made" for males rather than females.

Question 4

I'm not sure if that is the case in the prefecture that I live. Most of my female friends prefer male babies as they believe that they tend to get closer to their moms than dads. However, for some who hope to have a female baby, perhaps they think that mother and daughters can bond over mutual interests and hobbies (i.e. shopping, cooking, nail art, etc).

Question 5

Hikkikomori is a situation when a person lives literally on their own and avoid human contact as much as possible. I believe that the pressure from society plays a big role in creating people who shuts themselves from the rest of the world. Self-esteem is another factor that I think is important when considering hikkikomori cases.

Question 6

I would advice them to avoid smartphones and tablets during their early years. I think teaching children to think critically is one of the best advices that I can give to someone who is expecting a child.

Tough Vocabulary

- English -	- Japanese -
graduate	卒業
achievement	達成
academically	学術的に
successor	後継
bond	つなぐ
pressure	圧力
mutual interest	相互利益