Sort:  

Part 1/8:

The Unlikely Journey of Kintaro Hiyama: A Tale of Male Pregnancy

In a narrative that unfolds in the bustling city of Tokyo, we meet Kintaro Hiyama, a 37-year-old advertising agent deeply immersed in his career. Kintaro's life is meticulously organized; even his romantic encounters are scheduled on his calendar. While respected in his workplace and popular among women, his heart is frequently drawn back to Aki Sato, a 35-year-old freelancer, with whom he shares a complicated, yet mutually understood, friends-with-benefits arrangement.

Part 2/8:

As the story begins, Kintaro and Aki demonstrate a shared commitment to prioritizing their careers over traditional family roles. However, this equilibrium is disrupted when Kintaro learns about male pregnancies during a broadcast while at Aki's apartment. Aki, while not averse to children, is cautious of how they would impact their work. It is a tumultuous evening that stirs something unexpected in Kintaro.

Unexpected News

Part 3/8:

After successfully presenting a commendable proposal at work, Kintaro faces an alarming health scare, culminating in a shocking visit to the doctor, where he discovers he is nine weeks pregnant. Caught in disbelief, Kintaro grapples with the implications of this news. A pregnancy test confirms his worst fears, leaving him spiraling into confusion as he navigates this reality that seems tangible yet surreal.

Part 4/8:

Faced with imminent changes, Kintaro’s life takes a drastic turn filled with embarrassing incidents, such as unexpected lactation at work, prompting him to contemplate an abortion. This idea leads him to confront Aki about their shared responsibility for the unborn child. To Kintaro's surprise, their discussions on parenting reveal conflicting desires that put a strain on their relationship dynamics.

Navigating Complex Emotions

The emotional journey for both characters evolves as Aki initially supports Kintaro's decision for abortion but later finds herself conflicted when she experiences the inherent joys of motherhood through her friends' influential stories. Kintaro, feeling overwhelmed and disregarded, retreats into a secluded space to navigate the impending birth.

Part 5/8:

As their circumstances oscillate, Kintaro's successful advertising campaign featuring his journey as a pregnant male receives immense acclaim, but it also attracts societal scrutiny. The complexities of his pregnancy and Aki's growing independence paint a layered portrait of modern relationships, where traditional roles are questioned, and new dynamics are forged.

A Shift in Perspective

Kintaro's encounter with another expecting father, Miyaji, opens a new chapter in his journey, prompting him to reconsider the significance of fatherhood. Sharing experiences together highlights the emotional connection that pregnancy can engender, ultimately leading Kintaro to decide against the abortion and embrace fatherhood.

Part 6/8:

Their relationship with Aki continues to evolve, marked by Aki’s ambitions clashing with Kintaro's new responsibilities as a father. Amid challenges and misunderstandings, the couple discovers ways to reconcile their intentions, striving to navigate fatherhood, work, and a burgeoning online community dedicated to supporting pregnant men.

Embracing Change

As the narrative unfolds, the intertwined lives of Kintaro, Aki, and their friends assert the necessity of embracing change amid adversity. Kintaro’s decision to keep the baby marks a significant shift in his professional and personal identity. He grapples with societal prejudice but ultimately finds strength in building a supportive community, exemplified through their initiative “Dickception.”

Part 7/8:

The birth of Kintaro’s son brings catharsis and juxtaposes the journey of past familial relationships. The revelation of Kintaro’s father, who abandoned him during childhood, adds an intricate layer to the story. A journey of forgiveness and reconciliation begins as Kintaro learns lessons from both his mother's sacrifices and his father's absence.

Redemption and Growth

With the arrival of their baby, Kintaro and Aki navigate the complexities of modern family life together, striking a balance between personal aspirations and shared responsibility. Aki’s decision to pursue her career abroad challenges Kintaro but succeeds in illustrating a nuanced understanding of support and partnership in the context of contemporary relationships.

Part 8/8:

The culmination of their story depicts Kintaro and Aki as pioneers in embracing nontraditional family structures, validating their experiences as modern parents. They establish a supportive environment for their child, subverting conventional narratives surrounding parenting and responsibility. Through trials, triumphs, and heartfelt moments, the story concludes on an optimistic note, celebrating the fluidity of modern relationships and the transformative journey of love, parenthood, and personal growth.

In unison, Kintaro and Aki epitomize the struggles and joys of contemporary society, asserting that family takes many forms and can flourish in unexpected circumstances.