In this recent article, female Shogi master Fukuma opens up about her anxiety amid pregnancy and childbirth. Addressing a topic often left undiscussed in Japan's traditionally reserved society, Fukuma's honest reflections highlight a broader societal issue of balancing motherhood and career in Japan. The article opens a conversation on supporting women who hope to excel both professionally and personally.

In Japan, discussions around pregnancy and childbirth are often kept private, and there is a societal expectation for women to become housewives once they have children. Furthermore, the world of Shogi, a Japanese board game similar to chess, is heavily male-dominated. Fukuma's decision to speak about these subjects openly is significant and can be seen as a call for change in both societal norms and the Shogi community.

In contrast to Japan, Western countries like the US and EU tend to be more open about discussing pregnancy and childbirth issues. There's still work to do concerning career versus motherhood, but discussions and reassessments of societal norms are more prevalent. The strong push for gender equality in all sectors, including sports like chess, is also more evident in these regions.