According to a recent survey, Japan's rate of epidural, or painless childbirth, has seen a gradual increase over the last 24 years to 16.2%. Despite being common elsewhere, epidurals have traditionally been less utilized in Japan due to societal attitudes and different medical protocols. However, changes in societal norms and increased demand are leading to an upward trend in its use.

In Japan, societal expectations typically value natural childbirth over pain-reduced alternatives. Consequently, this has led to a lower adoption rate of painless birth methods, like epidurals. Additionally, medical facilities have a convention to limit the use of epidurals due to concerns related to the potential risks and medical complications. But with the shifting norms and perceptions, women are increasingly advocating for more childbirth options.

In the US and EU, epidurals are more widely accepted and frequently utilized, with some regions reporting use in over half of all births. The usage rate contrasts sharply with Japan's lower percentage. The difference can be largely attributed to different societal attitudes towards birth and pain management, as well as differing healthcare practices.