On February 12, 2025, the Japanese television show "Ueda to Onna ga Hoeru Yoru" aired, presenting raw and relatable insights on pregnancy and childbirth experiences through the voices of several celebrity mothers. Hosted by Ueda Shinya, the episode invited guests including Yukino Ogura, Natsuki Kato, and Ayari Taira.
Natsuki Kato, who recently became the mother of four, shared her contrasting emotions as she reflected on her unexpected parenting life. “Honestly, I never imagined I would have four children. Initially, I thought I wouldn’t even have any children at all!” she said. Yet, Kato added how having her children has been rewarding, even if at times she feels overwhelmed.
Kato described how her expectations about motherhood transformed over the years from being unsure about kids to happily embracing the chaos of family life. "Before marriage, I was adamant about not having kids. But by the time I married, my mindset had completely changed," she revealed.
The show's theme, 'the reality of pregnancy and childbirth,' allowed various celebrity mothers to share their experiences. Ogura, who has two children, recalled how her second pregnancy was marked by intense food cravings, reminiscent of Kato's. “There were days when I only wanted steak. To my shock, my eldest daughter now loves meat, presumably because of my pregnancy diet!” Ogura narrated with humor.
Also part of the conversation was Hashimoto Manami, who discussed her love for vegetables during her first pregnancy and her cravings for chilled noodles during her second. This peculiar shift wasn’t lost on her children either; she noted how her preference influenced her son’s food choices.
Adding to the humorous anecdotes was Barbie, who recounted the unique dynamics of attending childbirth with her husband, who infused medical knowledge after witnessing it three times. “He even joked about being able to see the placenta during childbirth!” Barbie laughed, sharing how unexpected it was for her husband to come prepared for their birthing experiences.
Each woman’s narrative illustrated the lighter side of motherhood, yet the discussions also explored serious topics, particularly the physical hurdles. Natsuki Kakato reflected on her struggles cleaning during pregnancy, humorously detailing her 'bathtub cleaning strategy' as her pregnancy progressed.
“I had to place my belly down to get relief, thinking of how heavy it felt,” Kato shared, drawing laughter from the audience. Ueda chimed in, teasing about the challenges of managing housework when expecting.
The episode offered valuable insights beyond the basic experiences of childbearing, touching on emotional aspects as well. There was considerable mutual support among the mothers as they shared candid feelings about later-term pregnancy and early motherhood challenges.
“You think you're ready for the sleepless nights, but they hit harder than I ever imagined,” Ogura confessed, to nods of agreement from her fellow mothers.
Kato's realization about her relationship with her husband during childbirth was especially heartwarming. “Having him there made all the difference. His support helped me as much as the doctors did!" she stated. This sentiment echoed through the show, establishing the central theme of partnership during these life-changing moments.
The evening saw laughter, tears, and thoughtful reflections as the women concluded their stories. Kato humorously noted the awkward realities post-birth, like trying to sit comfortably after delivery, which made all the mothers laugh.
All the guests from various backgrounds actively participated, sharing their unique pregnancies, confirming what many women experience yet often don’t talk about. “These honest conversations really resonate with many of us,” Taira remarked, underscoring the need for dialogue about motherhood and its challenges.
The episode concluded with Ueda expressing gratitude for the mothers' honesty and humor, inviting more such discussions to break the stigma around the difficulties of childbirth. “Today’s conversations are ones every man should hear,” he summed up, as the show ended on this significant note, encouraging viewers to appreciate the experiences of mothers around them.