I've recently been wondering why this is becoming so popular.
In the '70s it wasn't all that common to see a foreign man and a Japanese woman married. Now, it is quite common, depending upon where you go, to see a Japanese woman with her "gaijiin" husband. It got me to thinking as to why this has become so "popular".
I have several ideas as to why, but no data to back any of it up. Only speculation.
One strong idea as to why, is that Japanese women, as a rule are believed to be subservient to men based on the image of Japanese society. I believe that many foreign men find this attractive as the women in their home country may tend to be more "equal" with them.
Of course it could be that they were just meant to be. You know, they "click" or they are just complimentary to each other and make a good couple.
There is always that stigma that the foreigner was a loser in his own country, and no woman there would have anything to do with him. Thus, the only woman he could get was to marry a Japanese (or other foreign woman) or live his life alone. This idea is shared among many closed minded individuals...but can also be true at times!
Another idea that is often mentioned is that the woman is treated much better by the foreign man than by Japanese men, which explains her attraction to the foreigner.
Any thoughts on this by anyone here?