Society Gov agency asks young Japanese why they don't marry

The Japanese government is consulting young people about their interest in marriage, addressing a demographic crisis that could lead to a significant population decline. The Children and Families Agency, established in April 2023, held its first meeting to support young people in finding partners through dating and matchmaking. Participants included those considering marriage and experts on youth challenges. An agency official noted that young people's views on marriage differ from traditional norms. The government is now seeking insights from single individuals. Kato Ayuko, the minister for children-related policies, emphasized that marriage and child-rearing should respect diverse values and individual perspectives. She encouraged attendees to share their thoughts and obstacles.

The agency cited a survey of single people aged 25 to 34, showing that 43.3% of men and 48.1% of women said they had no opportunity to meet potential partners in 2021. Many said they had not done anything to increase their chances, such as attending matchmaking events or asking friends for introductions. Because comparatively few children are born to unmarried people in Japan, the decline of marriage has been cited as a significant reason for its low birthrate and dwindling, ageing population. In 2023, marriages dropped below 500,000 for the first time since the 1930s. Meanwhile, births dropped 5.1% to 758,631, a new record low and almost reaching 755,000, a figure the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research had predicted for 2035.

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Surveys have shown that many young Japanese are reluctant to marry or have families because of concerns about the high cost of living in big cities, a lack of good jobs, and a work culture that makes it difficult for both partners to have jobs, or for women to return to full-time employment after having children.

Local governments have responded with measures ranging from daycare to matchmaking. In June, the Tokyo metropolitan government said it would launch a dating app as early as this summer. The economist Takashi Kadokura said on a Yahoo Japan news blog that local government efforts to promote marriage were not working, and marriages were not increasing because of the growing number of non-regular workers who found it financially challenging to start a family.

thomas said:

Surveys have shown that many young Japanese are reluctant to marry or have families because of concerns about the high cost of living in big cities, a lack of good jobs, and a work culture that makes it difficult for both partners to have jobs, or for women to return to full-time employment after having children.

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Sounds like they already know the reasons. This new study is not likely to change anything. They need to address these concerns.

mdchachi said:

Sounds like they already know the reasons. This new study is not likely to change anything. They need to address these concerns.

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Don't be so terribly logical and efficient! First, we need to include a dozen other agencies and ministries, set up special committees and subcommittees, invite experts, arrange schedules over the next couple of years, then thoroughly discuss the potential impact on the fabric of Japanese society.