1912

The wave of Westernization during the Taisho period brought about early influences of the birth control movement.

Japanese soldiers enter Shanghai during World War I, watched by Italian Troops. Photo from Keystone, via Getty Images.

1914

Start of First World War

1920

Birth control was seen as a social and political taboo in Japan because of its affiliation with women’s liberation and socialism.

Kato Shizue first met Margaret Sanger in New York.

Women’s Liberation: Suffrage week in Tokyo. Photo from the Library of Congress.

(Original Caption) Mrs. Margaret Sanger of New York, (R), is shown, photographed on her arrival to Japan. Japan being opposed to birth control, she was forbidden to make any public talks on the subject. In this photo with her are the Baroness and Baron Ishimoto, leaders for control of birth in Tokyo. Mrs. Sanger was their guest. Photo from Bettman via Getty Images.

Baroness Ishimoto, Margaret Sanger, and Grant Sanger during the Japan trip, 1922. Photo from Bettman via Getty Images.

1922

Sanger visited Japan for the first time, at Kato Shizue’s invitation. However, she could only speak about birth control in private meetings. Shortly after she left, the birth control movement started in Japan among the members of the women’s liberation movement—led by Kato—with the objective of helping women achieve “health and happiness at the individual level”.

1923

The Great Kanto Earthquake struck, bringing pressure to limit population growth.

Great Kanto Earthquake, 1923. Sophia University Campus. Courtesy of Sophia University Archives.

Birth control was no longer seen as a taboo in the country as Kato Shizue continued to garner support for the cause.

1928

1932

Kato Shizue underwent training for 3 months at the Sanger Clinic in New York and founded the Women’s Birth Control League of Japan.

The Sanger Clinic, 46 Amboy Street, Brooklyn. Photo from the Library of Congress.

Japan during WW2. Photo from The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus.

1936

The First Japan Birth Control Clinic opened in Tokyo.

However, militarism continued to rise, leading to a policy of “Fukoku Kyohei” (great wealth, strong country) which aimed to enhance the wealth and military strength of Japan. Much of the initial advocates for birth control and legalization of abortion were affected after this militarist government promotion called for population increase. Because of this, the birth control movement was suppressed as a philosophy contrary to the national interest.

1937

Kato Shizue was arrested for her affiliation with the birth control movement.

Promulgation of Maternal and Child Protection Law

1938

1939

Start of the Second World War

Japan during WW2. Photo from The Asia-Pacific Journal: Japan Focus. https://bit.ly/3f6Qfum

Umeyo, Fuyaseyo. Give Birth and Multiply. Photo from Goo.

1941

The period of “Umeyo, Fuyaseyo” (give birth and multiply) wherein the government prohibited contraception, lowered the marriage age, and promoted an average of five children per married couple.

1945

Japan was defeated in the Second World War.