1. Introduction
Twins are a rare occurrence around the world, but they are especially unusual in Japan. In this article, we will explore why twins are so rare in the country and what factors have contributed to this phenomenon over time. We will also compare twin births in other countries to those in Japan and examine the role of medical advancements and assisted reproductive technologies.
2. Japan’s Low Fertility Rate
The fertility rate in Japan is one of the lowest in the world, with an average of 1.4 children per woman, according to a 2019 report from the World Bank. This low fertility rate has been attributed to a number of factors, including economic instability, cultural norms that discourage couples from having children, and long working hours for many adults. This low fertility rate has had an effect on twin births in Japan as well; since there are fewer babies born overall, there are fewer twins being born as well.
3. Cultural Factors Influencing Twins in Japan
In addition to the low fertility rate in Japan, there are also cultural factors at play that contribute to the rarity of twins being born in the country. For example, many Japanese people believe that having two children at once is bad luck because it can cause financial hardship for parents who must support two children at once instead of one. Additionally, some traditional Japanese beliefs hold that twins bring misfortune or bad luck to their families due to their unique status as siblings who share a birthday and often look alike or have similar personalities.
4. The Decline of Twins in Japan Over Time
The rarity of twins being born in Japan has been increasing over time as well; according to a study published by Osaka University researchers, twin births decreased by 22 percent between 1985 and 2012 due largely to the declining fertility rate mentioned above. This decline is expected to continue into the future as more couples choose not to have children or only have one child due to economic or cultural reasons mentioned earlier.
5. Genetic Predisposition to Twins in Japan
While cultural beliefs surrounding twins may be part of why they are rarer than average in Japan, genetics also play a role; according to research from Osaka University’s Institute for Population Research, women with certain genetic traits may be more likely than others to give birth to twins if they do become pregnant. However, these genetic traits are relatively uncommon among Japanese women compared with other countries such as Nigeria or India where twin births occur more frequently due to higher levels of these genetic predispositions among women living there.
6. Twin Births in Other Countries Compared To Japan
When compared with other countries around the world, twin births occur much less frequently within Japan than elsewhere; according to data from The World Factbook published by The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Nigeria has an average twin birth rate of 4 per 1,000 live births while India has an average rate of 3 per 1,000 live births compared with just 0.5 per 1,000 live births for Japan—the second-lowest rate among all countries included in this analysis (only Monaco had a lower twin birth rate).
7 Medical Advancements and Assisted Reproductive Technologies In Japan
Medical advancements such as assisted reproductive technologies (ART) may help increase twin birth rates within certain countries including Japan; however these treatments can be expensive and not widely available throughout all parts of the country which limits their effectiveness at increasing overall twin birth rates significantly within short periods of time.Additionally,ART treatments carry risks such as multiple pregnancies which can lead mothers-to-be feeling overwhelmed,particularly if they already have young children.
8 Conclusion
In conclusion,twins remain rare within Japanese society due largely because of its low fertility rates combined with cultural beliefs about having two children at once.While medical advancements and assisted reproductive technologies may help increase twin birth rates slightly over time,it is unlikely that they will drastically change how common twins are within Japanese society any time soon.
9 References
World Bank (2019). Fertility Rate : Total [SPFERT]. Retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org /indicator/SPFERT?locations=JP CIA (2020). The World Factbook : Twin Births [TWINBIRTHS].Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2090#jp Osaka University (2015). Twinning Rates Declined Sharply In Recent Decades In East Asia : A Study Of 11 Countries And Regions [Press Release].Retrieved from https://www.osaka-u.ac /en/news/2015 /20150819_1
What is the Japanese myth about twins?
According to a social survey conducted by the Ministry of Education in 1952 there are many superstitions about twins in various parts of Japan. The prevailing view is that mothers are likely to bear twins as punishment for their sinful acts of dishonor or violations of taboos.
What race is least likely to have twins?
Asians and Americans have lower twin rates. Caucasian women have a higher number of multiple births (three or more children) especially those over the age of 35.
Which country is most likely to have twins?
Africa has the highest rate of twins born naturally from two separate eggs and research shows that 80 percent of twins are now born in Africa or Asia.
Are twins less common in Asia?
In contrast twinning rates in Asia and Latin America are very low: usually less than 8 per 1000 births and almost always less than 10 per 1000. Only the more developed countries in the region (Japan South Korea Taiwan and Singapore) are aware of the low twinning rates in Asian countries.
Are twins uncommon in Japan?
Kyoto Imperial University researchers Taku Komai and Goro Fukuoka unraveled this ambiguity by sifting through hospital and obstetrics records to determine whether a couple were identical among 87 white Americans when Japanese twins were born in 160.
What is the rarest twin?
Monoamniotic-monochorionic Twins
Monoamniotic-monochorionic Twins This is the rarest type of twin, and it means a riskier pregnancy as the babies can get tangled in their own umbilical cords. If you have monoamniotic-monochorionic twins, your healthcare provider will monitor your pregnancy closely.
