(OT But Still Idio(syncra)tic Japan) "What Do You Think of the Figure Skater Who Gave Birth Without Being Married and Without Disclosing Who the Father Is?"

(UPDATE) Reaction was fast and furious, and Shukan Bunshun had to take down the poll, saying "we ended up giving an impression that we're negative on the childbirth itself, and that we are criticizing [her] for raising the child while working. For that, I am responsible as the chief editor. I apologize to everyone who felt offended by this poll." (出産そのものを否定したり、働きながら子育てをすることを批判しているような印象をあたえてしまいました。その点については、編集長の私の責任です。このアンケートに関して不快な思いを抱かれたすべての方にお詫び申し上げます。)

Well, the person most offended by him and his magazine must be the skater herself.

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asks one of the leading weekly magazines in Japan Shukan Bunshun.

The answer should be "It's none of anyone's business", but Shukan Bunshun has set up a webpage to poll readers.

You would think people in Japan will cheer for a birth of a baby, considering the severe decline of the birth rate of the country. But no. Many of them would rather criticize the skater for her "irresponsibility".

25-year-old Miki Ando is one of the top figure skaters in Japan, having won the World Figure Skate Championship in 2007 and 2011.

From Shukan Bunshun (7/4/2013; emphasis is mine):

緊急アンケート！
安藤美姫選手の出産を支持しますか？

Urgent poll!
Do you support Miki Ando's having given birth to a baby?

フィギュアスケートの安藤美姫選手が7月1日の「報道ステーション」で4月に女児を出産していたことを公表しました。また、競技に復帰し、来年のソチ五輪を目指すことをあらためて語っています。

Figure skater Miki Ando disclosed on "Hodo Station" TV on July 1 that she has given birth to a baby girl in April. She also said she is returning to competition, and hoping to participate in Sochi Winter Olympics next year.

この突然の告白に対し、出産を祝福する声が上がると同時に、まだ結婚しておらず、父親が誰かも明かさないことへの疑問や、子育ても競技も中途半端になるのではないかなどの批判もあります。そこで、下記アンケートへのご協力をお願いいたします。

Reactions to this sudden confession have been varied. Some congratulate her for the birth, but others are not happy that she is not married and she doesn't disclose who the father is. Yet others criticize that raising the child and being in competition at the same time will do no justice to either. Please let us hear your opinion by answering the questions below.

１）あなたは安藤美姫選手の出産を支持しますか？
２）子育てをしながら五輪を目指すことに賛成ですか？

各質問にお答えいただき、理由も併せてお答えください。

1) Do you support Miki Ando's having given birth?
2) Are you in favor of her aiming for the Olympics while she raises her child?

Please answer each question, and give us your reasons.

As a reward for expressing the opinion, readers will have a chance to win 10,000 yen gift cards. Shukan Bunshun plans to give out 10 of them.

Congratulations, Ms. Ando. You and your baby have my best wishes. And whoever the father is, he has my best wishes, too.

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