Japanese Woman Goes Viral After Giving Birth to Her Seventh Child Amid Falling Birth Rate

Kotoe Hashimoto’s announcement that she had given birth to her seventh child became a viral moment in Japan, where the birth rate continues to fall. The writer and former political candidate posted the news on X on Aug. 29, sharing a photograph of herself holding the newborn and thanking the medical staff who cared for them.

The post received 27 million views on X. It also drew 10,800 likes on Facebook. In a follow-up message later that day, Hashimoto thanked people for their congratulations and urged Japanese women to have children.

“I believe that now is the time for Japanese women to have children,” she wrote. “The rise and fall of our nation depends on the active role of women.” Her message drew strong reactions from Japanese users. One Facebook user said women’s conscience was key to changing a country heading toward demographic collapse. Another called giving birth to seven children “a national treasure.”

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I believe that now is the time for Japanese women to have children. The rise and fall of our nation depends on the active role of women.

Hashimoto has used her social media accounts to discuss Japan’s demographic challenges and advocate for Japanese women to have more children. She ran for office with the Party of Hope in the 2017 general election but was not elected. The conservative party, founded by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, disbanded in October 2021.

The birth came as Japan’s total fertility rate fell to a fresh record low in 2025, according to the Welfare Ministry. The rate declined to 1.14 from 1.15 the previous year, the lowest level since comparable records began in 1947. Japan faces a shrinking workforce and rising social security costs, while the government is also seeking funds for higher defence spending and other growth initiatives.

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It’s a national treasure to give birth to seven children.