8 - International Media

International Media: He's Expecting

He's Expecting is a Japanese comedy drama that premiered on Netflix in 2022. Loosely inspired by Eri Sakai's manga Kentaro Hiyama's First Pregnancy, the series is set in a world where men can experience pregnancy. The TV show follows Kentaro Hiyama, a 37-year-old advertising executive who unexpectedly becomes pregnant. He decides to keep the baby, leading to turmoil in his professional and personal life. The series details his journey, tackling issues such as gender roles, societal stigma, and abortion, and exploring the meaning of being a parent. It is comprised of eight 25-minute episodes.

Trailer

Plot

Fifty years before the series begins, cisgender men worldwide began becoming pregnant; now, about one in ten men have this capability. Kentaro discovers he is pregnant after spending a night with his fling, Aki Seto. He is one of 40 men in Japan who report pregnancy each year, although the number continues to grow.

Kentaro has a complicated relationship with Aki, a 35-year-old freelance journalist. She was initially uninterested in settling down with Kentaro or having children until she learned of his dilemma. The show also chronicles her journey as she evolves from a serious, career-focused woman into a loving mother.

Above: A comparison of the manga and live-action adaptation. Kentaro Hiyama is portrayed by Saito Takumi, and Aki Seto by Juri Ueno. 

For several episodes, Kentaro is unsure whether to keep the baby. He feels embarrassed because of society's prejudice against pregnant people, particularly men. Having grown up without a father figure, as his father allegedly died before Kentaro was born, he also doubts his parenting ability. However, after talking with another expecting father, Kentaro decides against abortion and begins incorporating his pregnancy into his company's new ad campaign. The campaign, aiming to promote successful pregnant men, makes the executive an overnight celebrity.

Throughout the series, Kentaro deals with pregnancy-related challenges, such as morning sickness, lactation, and weight gain. He and Aki face criticism from those who do not understand their decision to keep the baby or publicly reveal Kentaro's pregnancy. Kentaro decides to combat the stigma and misinformation surrounding male pregnancy to demonstrate that this life-changing experience is not exclusive to women. 

Video: Behind the Scenes & Cast Member Insights

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Although the concept of He's Expecting may seem absurd, it tells a powerful narrative about navigating life's unexpected challenges in a society that often seeks to push people down. The show delivers a perfect balance of comedy and real-world issues, helping viewers ponder an age-old question: What would happen if men could give birth?