Pregnant Japanese woman sparks online firestorm by preparing one month of meals for husband

In a story that has taken social media by storm, a nine-month-pregnant Japanese woman got at the centre of a heated online debate after revealing her efforts to ensure her husband’s well-being during her postpartum recovery.

The woman shared on X that she had prepared and frozen 30 daysof meals for her husband, worried that he wouldn't eat properly while she stayed with her parents.

The post, which included pictures of the meticulously prepared dinner platters, quickly drew criticism.The woman also shared that her due date was on May 21.

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Users on Weibo didn't hold back.

One outraged commenter asked, “What kind of husband allows his heavily pregnant wife to prepare a month’s worth of dinners? Does he usually do nothing at home? Isn’t it just spoiling him?”

Another added, “Is your husband a junior school kid? Can he not prepare his meals?”

The backlash wasn't just directed at the husband.

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Critics also took aim at the woman's actions, questioning her sense of duty.

“This Japanese woman is bizarre. She is pregnant and acting as her husband’s maid. How did her husband eat before he married?” one user remarked.

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Another user wrote, “Men really do not last long without their wives' care. If we had returned a few months later, we might have found only a mummy at home.”

Many others pointed out that when wives handle all household duties, it fuels a culture where men are not expected to pull their weight.

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Another commented, ''How pitiful she is – she's been pregnant for nine months and has a vegetative husband."

One user from China said, ''Isn't it the same in all East Asian countries? When my mum came to stay with me abroad to help with the baby, she forgot to prepare meals for my dad. He survived on steamed buns and noodles for three months, even losing muscle mass.''

This incident has ignited a broader conversation about traditional gender roles and marital responsibilities.

(With inputs from agencies)