The article discusses the phenomenon of "selective single motherhood" in Japan. Increasingly, women are choosing to raise their children alone, outside of traditional marital structures. This trend has stirred debate on whether this is a display of parental ego or an assertion of personal liberty. Critics argue that this decision can impact the child's upbringing, while proponents advocate for the ability of women to make independent life decisions regarding motherhood.

The concept of single parent by choice, particularly single motherhood, challenges traditional Japanese societal norms. Mothers in Japan are generally expected to devote themselves entirely to their children, often taking up the primary role of caretaker. Therefore, this trend is viewed under scrutiny, with observers often attributing it to either selfishness or bold leaps toward independence and autonomy.

In contrast to Japan, single motherhood by choice is more widely accepted in the US and EU, with growing recognition of diverse family formations. This includes an acknowledgement of the reasons why a woman might choose single parenthood, such as financial independence and freedom in decision-making.