The article highlights the harsh reality of Japan's "hospital chaperoning" practice, where parents or caregivers are often obligated to stay in the hospital to care for their hospitalized children. This duty affects parents' work-life balance, mental health, and the overall well-being of family dynamics. Although government guidelines and hospital rules differ, most require at least one parent to stay with their young child 24/7 during hospitalization.

The tradition of "hospital chaperoning" or "tsukibito nyūin" is deeply entrenched in Japanese society, it is viewed as a parental responsibility and an embodiment of Japan's strong familial societal values. However, in recent years, there has been rising concern over the strain this practice puts on parents, bringing up questions of work obligations, parental leave, and mental health provisions for those affected.

In the US or EU, the practice of round-the-clock family member presence in the hospitals is less common. There are professional staff members like pediatric nurses, hospital volunteers, and child life specialists who provide support, reducing the need for continuous family presence. Moreover, laws and policies are in place to support time-off from work for family medical emergencies.