In Japan, romance is often closely linked to marriage. Especially in the late 20s and 30s, it is common to see an increase in the number of people who desire relationships with marriage in mind. This is largely due to the influence of the view of marriage and life planning in Japanese society. This article details the key points that Japanese people consider important when choosing a partner for marriage and how this is reflected in their love lives.
Love is Part of Life Planning
In Japan, there is a strong tendency to view love as a part of life planning. Particularly in people in their late 20s and beyond, when they are of marriageable age, love is not just an emotional issue, but is considered part of their future life planning. Therefore, when choosing a partner, not only emotional compatibility but also practical conditions are important criteria.
Important Points in Partner Selection
The following factors are important in selecting a partner with a view to marriage.
1. income and occupation
Income and occupation are very important factors for Japanese people when choosing a partner. This comes from the desire to ensure financial stability after marriage. Men in particular tend to be expected to have a stable occupation and income, while women are increasingly expected to be financially independent in recent years.
2. family structure and background
In Japan, marriage is often viewed not only as a relationship between two people, but also as a bond between families. Therefore, the family structure and home environment of the partner are also important factors. The possibility of living with one’s parents and the match of values between family members are carefully considered.
3. matching of values
It is important that values match in order for the marriage to run smoothly. In Japan, values related to future child rearing, money usage, and the balance between work and family are particularly important. In many cases, discussing these points during the course of a relationship confirms compatibility with the partner.
4. age and timing
The concept of the appropriate age for marriage is deeply rooted in Japanese society. Many people want to get married by the age of 30, and many people feel pressure to marry after this age. Therefore, timing is also important when choosing a romantic partner.
Social Background and Influences
Japanese views on marriage and partner selection are deeply rooted in social background and culture.
1. declining birthrate and attitudes toward marriage
Japan has a declining birthrate, and the government and society as a whole tend to encourage people to get married and raise children. As a result, there continues to be a trend toward emphasizing romantic love with marriage as a prerequisite. On the other hand, the percentage of unmarried people is rising, and attitudes toward marriage vary greatly from person to person.
2. workplace environment and meeting places
Workplace romance is common in Japan, and many cases lead to marriage. This is because long working hours are common and the workplace is often the main place to meet people. Introductions through friends and family are also considered an important means of meeting people.
3. the spread of marriage activity services
In recent years, services such as marriage agencies and marriage activity applications have become widespread, and more and more people are actively seeking encounters with the intention of getting married. These services are popular because they allow people to narrow down specific criteria such as income, educational background, and sense of values, making it possible to select a partner efficiently.
Balance between love and marriage
Striking a balance between enjoying love and considering marriage is an important theme in partner selection in Japan. While some people focus on enjoying romance as a purely emotional experience, we cannot ignore the practical aspect of looking toward marriage. Especially for a long-term relationship, it is important to have not only romantic feelings but also practical compatibility with the partner.
Conclusion
Japanese partner selection is characterized by the fact that love and marriage are closely linked. While realistic factors such as a partner’s income, occupation, family structure, and sense of values are emphasized, romantic feelings are also positioned as important factors. Striking such a balance and choosing a partner as part of a life plan is a major characteristic of Japanese romantic culture.
By deepening our understanding of partner selection with marriage in mind, we can gain insight into Japanese love culture and values. It is important to keep this background in mind when understanding the Japanese view of love from abroad.