Japan Diary – The Marriage

Japan Diary – The Marriage

According to Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, approximately 1 million kids were born in year 2011 which is lowest in last five decades.

In 2011, the total number of marriages that took place was 661,895 and the numbers of divorces were 235,719. The divorce rate in Japan would be approx. 30%.

Knowing the situation in advance, since year 2001, Government has been putting effort to encourage Japanese women to get married and deliver babies to address the birthrate issue of country. 

The problem revolves around marriage and giving birth. Most importantly marriages seem to be the critical issue in Japan. Does that mean Japanese women aren't interested in getting married? Or they have become career oriented, may be insecure and not indulging in giving births?

The answer lies in the history of Japan and several paradigm changes in the economy and culture. Traditionally Japanese women need to act as subordinates to men; she needs to fully devote herself to the needs of her husband (that makes it second to men).  With the change in overall economy, education and global reach women have evolved and the situation has changed. Japanese women are now educated, strong, self-sustained and no longer need to play a supporting role. However I believe average Japanese men are traditional, and find difficult in accepting such massive change and still believe in old school thoughts about role of wife. This makes the situation complicated and difficult for marriages to sustain.

One more important dimension is Japan being worlds thirst largest economy having easy access to USA, UK and other European countries.  Large numbers of Japanese women are looking abroad for love/marriage will bring them the qualities in a partner that seems rare at home. The evolved thought process of Western men appeal to them as they are more appreciative, and seek reasonable between personal and professional life.  Tokyo and some other cities are full of dating agencies to help women find a suitable western partner.  That reminds me of such agencies in Gujarat which helps abroad settled Gujju men to locate suitable, cultural traditional Gujju wife.