Why Everyone in Japan Wants to Get Married, But No One Is

Apparently 8 out of 10 single people in Japan still want to get married someday. 😮

The Great Marriage Paradox

So get this. A recent report from the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research found that over 80% of unmarried Japanese folks still hope to tie the knot eventually. It's a number that's been surprisingly stable for years.

But at the same time, the actual number of people getting married has fallen off a cliff. Back in the 70s, Japan saw about a million weddings a year. In 2023, it was less than 500,000. That’s a 50% drop, even when you account for the shrinking population. The government has tried everything from matchmaking parties (`machikon`) to subsidies, but nothing seems to stick.

It's Not a 'Want,' It's a 'Should'

Here’s where it gets interesting. Another survey, this one from NHK, asked a slightly different question. Instead of asking if people *want* to get married, it asked if they think people *should* get married—if it's a necessary part of life.

The numbers flipped completely. A whopping 90% of people in their 30s said, “No, you don't necessarily have to get married.” For them, it’s not an obligation anymore. It’s not the default path your parents and grandparents followed.

The 'Optional Extra'

So the desire is there, but the social pressure is gone. The original article put it perfectly: marriage in Japan has become an 'optional extra.'

It’s like buying a car. It used to be that marriage was just part of the standard package. Now, it's a popular and desirable option—like the sunroof or the premium sound system—but it's still an option you have to consciously choose and pay for. And it seems fewer people are ticking that box.