Society Friendship marriages offer companionship beyond traditional Japanese norms

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What are 'friendship marriages'?

In Japan, "friendship marriages," or tomodachi kekkon (友達結婚, friend marriage) and yūjō kekkon (友情結婚, friendship marriage), are becoming increasingly popular as a way for individuals to find companionship and shared living arrangements without romantic love or a sexual relationship. These marriages are legally recognised and offer similar benefits as traditional marriages, including policy benefits and the option to have children, often through assisted reproductive technologies like IVF.

The South China Morning Post reported on this phenomenon:

Individuals interested in friendship marriage are, on average, 32.5 years old with incomes exceeding the national average, and about 85 per cent have a bachelor's degree or higher, according to Colorus. The trend is particularly appealing to asexual individuals and homosexuals. Many asexuals, who are unable to feel sexual desire or fall in love, still crave connection and companionship. Homosexuals may opt for friendship marriages as an alternative because same-sex marriage is not legal in Japan. Some heterosexual young people, who dislike traditional marriage patterns or romantic relationships, but are subject to societal pressures, have also been embracing the new trend. About 75 per cent of Japanese in their thirties still view marriage as a life goal, as reported by the Japanese Cabinet Office. However, 47.2 per cent of Japanese married couples have not had sex in the past month, and the number is rising, a 2016 survey showed. Seeking alternatives to traditional marriage, people have turned to friendship marriage to present a "stable and mature" image for career advancement or to please their parents. In Japan, being married has tax benefits and it remains very difficult for single women to have children. More than 70 per cent of partners in friendship marriages did so to have children.

In Japan, ‘friendship marriages’ provide partnership outside societal norms

More couples are choosing such an option despite it contradicting their sexual orientation, citing reasons such as social security benefits.

www.scmp.com

Explainer | What is friendship marriage? Japan’s latest way to couple up excludes love or sex

Young couples in Japan believe they have found a way to be together that does not include traditional marriage norms or the constraints of society’s expectations.

www.scmp.com

What is a friendship marriage in Japan?

Answer (1 of 2): Imagine ditching the whole "love of your life" thing and marrying your best bud instead. That's the basic idea behind friendship marriages, a new trend gaining traction in Japan. Forget everything you know about marriage. Friendship marriages are about companionship, not canoodl...

www.quora.com

 

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