According to the Japanese Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, an average of 2,935 babies were born each day last year (2011) in Japan.
Of the births that occurred on Oct 31, 2011 – the day the world's population topped 7 billion – many were to parents who had suffered as a result of the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and ensuing nuclear crisis.
Many of the parents placed their hopes for a better future in the new lives. Some hoped their child would symbolize recovery, while others said they wanted their child to be a compassionate person.
Yoshimi Kawamura, 27, gave birth to a 3.46 kg girl at about 6:30 a.m. at a hospital in Ishinomaki, a city hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake and where Japan Mission is helping with outreach. She wants her daughter to grow up into a healthy adult and to represent a sign of recovery to their hometown.
“It's a gloomy year with the disaster, but it also became a happy year for us,” Eiko, another mother said with a smile. “The birth of our baby gives us an unforgettable memory.”
“This birth is memorable as it occurred on the day the world population surpassed 7 billion. I want my baby to become a sympathetic person who helps people in difficulties,” Shigemichi said. "I consider my new baby a miracle,” Kuwana said of her baby.
Source: Yomiuri News 2011-11-01
The most unfathomably wonderful birth ever on earth was when God’s Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords took on human flesh!
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
