【Research Report】Tokyo's 'Cost Barrier' Breakage Accelerates Egg Freezing Age by 1 Year. Meanwhile, National Subsidy from April 2026 Highlights 'Age 35 Barrier' as an Issue for Late 30s.

Grace Group Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Yusuke Katsumi; hereinafter 'Grace Group') conducted a survey targeting 373 individuals who have undergone or are considering egg freezing. Following the Children and Families Agency's decision to launch a model project for cost subsidies (targeting希望 municipalities) nationwide from April 2026, this report details the 'current state of egg freezing' as seen from the survey results, focusing on how the presence or absence of subsidies affects women's decision-making.

Survey Topics

Subsidies influence 'speed of decision': There is approximately a 1-year difference in the average age of egg freezing implementation between Tokyo, where subsidies are advanced, and other regions, suggesting that breaking the 'cost barrier' encourages earlier implementation.

'Cost barrier' faced by 3 out of 4 people: 75.0% of those who have not undergone the procedure cited 'high cost' as the reason for giving up, highlighting the importance of public support.

'Age 35 barrier' and 'age anxiety': The decisive factor for implementation is 'anxiety about age (89.2%)'. However, with the Children and Families Agency's model project targeting those aged 35 or younger for cost subsidies, it is urgent to raise awareness and support for women in their late 30s who will be excluded.

Turning point in April 2026: The start of the Children and Families Agency's model project is expected to break the 'cost barrier' for residents in rural areas.

Overwhelming affirmation: 94.1% of implementers are satisfied. In addition to 'insurance for the future (63.9%)', approximately 40% reported gaining 'mental peace of mind'.

Survey Details

1. Does 'where you live' determine when you can give birth? Approximately a 1-year difference between Tokyo and rural areas.

In this survey, when analyzing the average age at implementation by place of residence, individuals in Tokyo, where the subsidy system is advanced, had an average age of 35.6 years. Compared to other regions (36.5 years), there was a trend of earlier implementation by 0.9 years. Furthermore, the percentage of individuals implementing the procedure by age 35 was 44.8% for Tokyo residents and 39.5% for other regions, a difference of 5 percentage points.

These results indicate a tendency for economic support to somehow influence women's decision-making and serve as a factor promoting earlier decisions.

From this, the nationwide start of subsidies by the Children and Families Agency in April 2026 is expected to break the 'cost barrier' for residents in rural areas and lead to an earlier average age of implementation nationwide.

2. 3 out of 4 people give up due to 'cost'. The significance of public support is questioned.

75.0% (3 out of 4) of those considering egg freezing but not proceeding cited 'high cost' as the reason for giving up. Additionally, about half of those who have not undergone the procedure are troubled by a lack of information on 'which clinic to choose'.

With the Children and Families Agency's model project starting in April 2026, the 'biggest barrier' for residents in rural areas and younger generations is expected to be removed, and information disparities will be eliminated.

3. 'Age 35' as a turning point. The dilemma for women in their late 30s excluded from subsidies.

The Children and Families Agency's proposed subsidy target from April 2026 is roughly 'under 35 years old'. However, many respondents in this survey stated that 'anxiety about age (89.2%)' was the biggest factor in their decision to proceed.

While Tokyo's egg freezing cost subsidy is planned to continue for those up to 39 years old, for the Children and Families Agency-led subsidy to be rolled out, while it would be a strong push for women in their early 30s, women in their late 30s potentially face being 'excluded from the system', highlighting a new 'age barrier'.

4. April 2026: Egg freezing from 'a niche option' to 'a societal choice'.

To break down the 'cost barrier' and 'regional disparities' highlighted by this survey, the Children and Families Agency-led model project will officially commence in April 2026. With the first national support, a subsidy of up to 200,000 yen per person, once, is expected to begin in adopted municipalities nationwide. This is anticipated to be a transition to a society where all women can freely envision their life plans, regardless of their place of residence or economic situation, and choose childbirth at their desired time.

5. The true feeling of 'as young as possible'. 94% of implementers realize the value.

94.1% of egg freezing implementers responded with 'satisfaction'. Reasons include 'securing the possibility of having children (67.8%)' and 'gaining mental peace of mind (38.1%)', strongly emphasizing the aspect of 'forward investment' for leading a positive life. Many implementers felt 'I should have considered it sooner', and the importance of acting 'even one year younger', regardless of the system's existence, is a common understanding among those with experience.

Grace Group will continue to provide appropriate information and support, aiming for a society where egg freezing becomes a commonplace option. We will also promote activities that expand the possibilities for women to balance their careers and life plans and confidently choose childbirth at their desired time.

Survey Overview

Survey targets: Grace Bank registrants and LINE users from December 2024 onwards.