The article delves into a unique examination of the changing societal norms in Japan from the perspective of working parents, through the form of traditional haiku poetry. It encapsulates the struggles, joys, and daily realities of working parents, indicating a significant shift in societal values as gender roles evolve and dual-income families become increasingly predominant. The haiku, succinct yet profound, reflect this flux within societal norms, providing a glimpse into the lived experiences of modern Japanese parents.

In Japan, societal changes are subtly but powerfully reflected in various art forms – haiku being one of them. The cultural importance assigned to balance – be it work-life or personal-professional – is interwoven deeply into society. In recent years, the government has been making efforts to support working parents, decrease gender inequality, and promote child-rearing among working couples to counterbalance the aging population, which is a major concern. The spikes of interest regarding these haikus reveal how this social issue affects the daily lives of Japanese people.

In the US and the EU, work-life balance is equally important, albeit more openly discussed and less culturally nuanced. Similar discussions are held and policies made to support working parents but are often more systematically addressed through maternity and paternity leaves, flexible work hours, etc. Though artistic expression might not be as extensively used, these issues feature prominently in literature, movies, and social media commentary.