If you find yourself muttering before a relative’s child arrives for the night, take a breath. You’re not alone. Every adult has felt that mix of duty, love, worry, and mild inconvenience. But go ahead — prepare the futon, buy their favorite juice, and leave a nightlight on.
Consider the real-life example of a Tokyo mother, 38, who allowed her 7-year-old daughter to stay overnight at her husband’s brother’s house. The uncle, in his 50s, had the girl sleep in his room “because the guest room was cold.” The child later disclosed unwanted touching. The uncle’s defense? “We’re relatives — I was just being kind.” shinseki no ko to o tomari dakara de na %C3%ADn