Japan has one of the lowest marriage rates in the world. In 2020, only 4.9 marriages per 1000 people took place in Japan – the lowest number since the end of World War II. Many factors have contributed to this trend, from economic struggles to changing social values. As Japanese society changes rapidly, many young people are questioning the need for marriage entirely. But what is behind this phenomenon? Why are less Japanese people walking down the aisle?
Economic Factors
One major reason is economic. As Japan’s economy has sputtered along for decades, good full-time jobs have become harder to find. Young people have also become more economically dependent on their parents. In 1975, only around 35% of singles aged 25-29 lived with their parents. Today, that number is close to 60%. Without financial independence, many young people do not feel ready for the commitment of marriage and family.
| Year | % of singles aged 25-29 living with parents |
|---|---|
| 1975 | 35% |
| 2020 | 60% |
Rising costs of living also discourage marriage. Weddings in Japan have become exorbitantly expensive, with the average cost exceeding $30,000. Young people already struggling economically find it difficult to justify this expense. Raising children is also very costly due to education costs and limited daycare availability. Some estimate it costs over $300,000 to raise a child from birth through high school graduation. With little job security and high living costs, many young people are understandably hesitant to commit to marriage and family.
Increased economic opportunities for women
Another large factor is increased economic participation by women. In the past, women were expected to become housewives after marriage. Today, more women want to pursue careers and remain financially independent. Over 70% of unmarried Japanese women are now employed. Many choose to delay or forego marriage entirely to avoid derailing their careers.
While women now contribute more economically, social expectations for men have not changed. Japanese men are still largely expected to be the primary breadwinners after marriage, a difficult task given the state of the economy. As a result, some men delay marriage because they feel they cannot fulfill this expectation.
Changing social values
Shifting social values have also contributed. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, many young Japanese became disillusioned with the traditional path of school, work, marriage, and family. Some developed more individualistic values and chose to forgo marriage entirely. Surveys show that over a third of unmarried Japanese people in their 20s and 30s have no plans to ever marry.
Attitudes toward gender roles are also changing. Many young women are rejecting the traditional housewife role, instead wanting an equal partnership. Some worry that marriage will confine them to restrictive gender roles, and are choosing to remain single.
Finally, the stigma against unmarried cohabitation has faded. In the past, most couples in Japan would not live together until after marriage. Today, cohabitation rates are rising. Over a third of Japanese couples now live together before getting married. As unmarried cohabitation becomes more socially acceptable, some couples feel less urgency to make their relationship officially “legal” through marriage.
Increased social isolation
There is also a growing issue of social isolation amongst young Japanese adults. Surveys show that over a third of single Japanese people under age 35 admit to having no friends. For some, social anxiety and pressures prevent them from putting themselves out there to meet potential partners. The prevalence of online interaction has also reduced in-person social circles. Without meeting new people and potential mates, some find it difficult to start a relationship leading to marriage.
Japan’s falling birth rate worsens the issue. With fewer and fewer children, some simply do not have many opportunities to meet potential partners. Particularly in rural areas, shrinking social circles contribute to later marriages.
Focus on careers over relationships
Many companies still expect employees to work long, inflexible hours. After spending 12+ hours at work, singles have little time to date and develop relationships. Strong company loyalty also takes priority over personal relationships. Some even see marriage as incompatible with their work responsibilities. This company-centric culture makes it hard to balance work and personal life, forcing some to choose career over marriage entirely.
Is marriage becoming obsolete in Japan?
While many factors have driven down marriage rates, Japan has not given up on marriage entirely. Surveys show that most young, unmarried Japanese still aspire to be married eventually. Getting married and having a family remains the “default” path envisioned for life. However, the obstacles discussed above have simply delayed or discouraged marriage for many.
Still, attitudes are undeniably shifting. Remaining single is becoming more socially acceptable. The institution of marriage holds less weight than in the past. Some believe Japan’s declining marriage rate reflects a move toward more individualistic values. As expectations for women continue evolving, and work culture remains demanding, marriage may indeed become less of a priority. But rather than obsolete, it seems marriage is transforming into a more deliberate choice based on individual circumstances.
Conclusion
Japan’s decline in marriages is a complex phenomenon with many contributing factors. The sluggish economy makes it difficult for young adults to attain the financial stability they feel is required for marriage. High relative costs of weddings and child-rearing are also disincentives. At the same time, increased economic participation by women has reduced the pressure for them to marry. Shifting social values mean marriage is no longer an obligation or necessity for either gender.
For now, the trend is likely to continue unless significant cultural and policy changes occur. But there are also signs that many Japanese have not entirely rejected marriage. Rather, they are adopting more practical, individualistic views towards relationships and family. Marriage remains an ideal, even if the obstacles are prompting Japanese people to put off or rethink what it means for them personally. The coming decades will reveal how the role of marriage in society evolves.