The true cost of marriage in Japan: Who really pays the price?
The overall number of marriages grew slightly in 2024, but Japan's birth rate crisis has only worsened. And yet a survey by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry states that young people want to get married and have families. So what gives?
Marriage is a deeply complicated subject beyond any romantic or cultural notions of love. In order to understand it better, analyzing the deeper financial, physical and mental costs of marriage is vital. These, in turn, differ dramatically by gender.
For the purposes of this article, only heterosexual marriages will be considered, as they are the only form of marriage legally recognized in Japan.
The hidden costs of love and money in Japan
Short- and long-term financial issues can make or break relationships.
Image: anuwat Dangsungnoen/iStock
Most people have felt the ongoing cost-of-living crisis impacting their wallets. Staple foods and utilities have gone up, and overall wages have stagnated. Suffice to say, spending on dating is risky, but not spending is also problematic. According to the Japanese Gender Equality Bureau, not providing financially for a partner or paying one's share in a relationship is a form of domestic violence.
Being single doesn't imply financial security either. Men in their 20s, according to the 2022 Employment Status Survey by the Japan Statistics Bureau, earn an average annual salary of less than ¥3 million. Given that the Japanese gender wage gap puts women's income at roughly 70% to 80% that of men, more than half of young Japanese women struggle to make ends meet.
...more than half of young Japanese women struggle to make ends meet. Marriage is just as much a financial burden.
Marriage is just as much a financial burden. Aside from the average wedding costing around ¥4.15 million according to a Zexy.net article (Japanese), marriage itself involves making major, life-altering financial decisions. Unless both people are earning a commensurate wage, it can be very difficult to determine how to balance spending and saving as a couple.
Income and debts, spending versus saving, and long-term financial plans regarding homeownership and retirement — these are all fundamental questions a couple should discuss before marriage is even on the table. Financial instability puts an incredible amount of strain on both people in a relationship and can quickly become a point of contention.
'I earn far less than my wife each month because I'm an English teacher. I've cut back on buying things for myself, but even that doesn't seem to make things easier. We've put off having kids as a result, which I know she's not happy about,' said Steven, a 31-year-old American.
The physical price of partnership — especially for women
Marriages impact women's physical health more than you'd think.
Image: anuwat Dangsungnoen/iStock
Marriage — or long-term cohabitation — affects men and women differently in terms of their physical health. It's a well-established fact that in the majority of cultures, women are expected to take care of the home and any children, while men work outside the home.
Married men are typically healthier than those who are single, divorced or widowed, according to Harvard Health Publishing. The general consensus of these studies is that married men live longer because their wives keep track of their health and nutrition for them — rather than anything married men do that single men don't. This may also contribute to the statistic that men are more likely to die from 'broken heart syndrome' — a condition that prevents people's hearts from contracting properly according to an NBC News article — despite it being a condition more often found in women. Men suffer worse cardiovascular outcomes when they lose a spouse to divorce or death than women do.
Married women, on the other hand, are not better off physically when compared to single women, according to these same studies. The American Psychological Association found that marriage only benefits women's physical health when it comes with a high level of sexual and emotional satisfaction. Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging determined that married and single women were virtually identical in terms of overall physical health at any age.
Childbirth is another major factor to consider. Pregnancy has a major, lasting impact on women. According to a study conducted by Lancet Global Health, about 40 million women a year experience long-term health complications caused by pregnancy. These include pain during sexual intercourse (affecting 35% of postpartum women), permanent low back pain (32%), anal incontinence (19%), urinary incontinence (8% to 31%) and secondary infertility. This does not take into account the mental and emotional consequences.
Numerous studies have also found that women are far more likely to be divorced if they become seriously ill. A study published in the journal Cancer found a woman is six times more likely to be separated or divorced soon after receiving a diagnosis than a male patient.
Women are the least likely to benefit from marriage, no matter where they are in the world
'In sickness and in health, my ass. Men walk out as soon as they learn their wife is sick more often than not. They can't handle it. And if they don't walk out, they cheat and marry someone else as soon as their wife dies or the divorce goes through. It's sick, but I see it so often I'm not surprised anymore,' said Hannah, a 54-year-old Canadian oncology nurse.
Mental health and marriage: Who really benefits?
Mental health is just as greatly impacted by marriage as physical health.
Image: MTStock Studio/iStock
Married people are, on the whole, less likely to suffer from depression. One peer-reviewed study by Scimex found that unmarried people have a 79% higher risk of depression than married people. It further concluded that the innate support network of marriage and shared financial resources likely contribute to improved mental health for both spouses. A happy marriage is one that protects both spouses' mental health in direct and indirect ways; however, definitions of what constitutes a happy marriage vary greatly.
Divorce is hard, but staying in an unhappy marriage is worse. A Michigan State University study concluded that worsening marital quality contributed to a faster rate of cognitive decline in men, while staying can also lead to increased rates of depression for both spouses. These in turn can cause or exacerbate lifestyle- and stress-related medical conditions.
Comparatively, single women are far happier with their lives than married women, single men or married men. They report higher levels of satisfaction with their relationship status, life overall and sex lives, and a lower desire for a partner than anyone else.
The harsh bottom line on marriage in Japan: Women still lose out
Marriage may seem like a pipe dream in the near future.
Image: recep-bg/iStock
Communication issues can impact a relationship, but the financial, physical and mental costs can destroy one. Women are the least likely to benefit from marriage, no matter where they are in the world, and that in turn impacts men and childbirth rates as well. Can these costs be balanced in order to make marriage and childbirth worth it?
The short answer is: no, they can't. It's impossible to make things equal in society at present. In a decade or two, perhaps — but only if dramatic changes are made. The gender differences in the costs of marriage, if they continue as they are, will always mean one partner loses out.
© Japan Today
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kyodo News
9 minutes ago
- Kyodo News
FOCUS: Nikkei likely to stay above 40,000 despite political uncertainty
TOKYO - Boosted by a Japan-U.S. trade deal, the Nikkei stock index is expected to stay afloat above the 40,000 threshold at least for a while, despite political uncertainty created by the major setback suffered by Japan's ruling parties in a recent national election. The benchmark may soon break its record high by surpassing 42,224.02 registered a year ago, but the market could face a downside risk if long-term interest rates surge further due to expectations of expansionary fiscal measures like a consumption tax cut. "With uncertainty over tariff negotiations dispelled, it makes it easier for companies to foresee future earnings, helping to support the stock market," said Maki Sawada, a strategist at the Investment Content Department of Nomura Securities Co. The Nikkei added more than 2,000 points over the two days through Thursday after the agreement that U.S. tariffs on imported Japanese cars and other goods will be lowered sharply to 15 percent, although the yield on the key 10-year government bond spiked to 1.600 percent, its highest level since 2008. "As long as higher interest rates are accompanied by improving business performance, stocks will rise as seen in the past," Sawada said, expecting the index to be supported around the 40,000 line. The market is likely to be buoyed by hopes for upward revisions in earnings after some major companies like Toyota Motor Co. projected a hefty 35 percent drop in net profit for this fiscal year by factoring in an additional 25 percent tariff imposed by Washington from April. Trade data show that Japan's shipments to the United States, the largest export destination for Japanese automakers, dropped 11.4 percent in value terms in June from a year earlier for the third consecutive monthly decline, contributing to a 30.8 percent plunge in its trade surplus with the country. "Stocks may be further lifted by positive incentives like more U.S. trade deals with the European Union and China, as well as economic data and earnings," possibly sending the Nikkei to the 44,000 level at one point, said Masahiro Yamaguchi, head of investment research at SMBC Trust Bank. While many analysts believe the current level of long-term interest rates at around 1.6 percent is unlikely to be an obstacle for stocks to chase higher ground, a spike toward 2 percent may stir concerns about increased borrowing costs and dent market sentiment. Situations surrounding the bond market suggest the likelihood of the yield climbing further, as the Japan-U.S. trade deal helped ease concern about the prospects of the domestic economy and will make it easier for the Bank of Japan to further raise interest rates. The tariff deal is a "big step forward," as it reduces economic uncertainty facing Japanese companies under U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policy, BOJ Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida said Wednesday. His remark fueled speculation that the central bank will increase the policy rate again after raising it three times since March last year to around 0.50 percent, as it shifts from a decade of unorthodox monetary easing. "Given that the tariff negotiations ended up with a desirable agreement despite expectations of tough going, the recession risk in the second half of this year has alleviated considerably," said Daiju Aoki, chief Japan economist at UBS SuMi TRUST Wealth Management Co. "Japan's interest rates are likely to remain elevated with the probability of a rate hike by the end of year increasing significantly," Aoki said, adding that investors will adopt a cautious stance about buying bonds, whose prices move inversely to yields. Reflecting expectations for weakening demand, the auction for 40-year government bonds held Wednesday was sluggish, with the bid-to-cover ratio standing at 2.13 percent, its lowest level since 2011. Higher yields also followed on from the results of Sunday's House of Councillors election, which raised the possibility that expansionary fiscal measures may be adopted in the future, leading to further deterioration in Japan's fiscal health. The Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito suffered a major setback in the election, losing their majority in the upper house, with opposition forces urging that the consumption tax be cut, suspended, or even abolished to ease the pain of inflation. The ruling coalition, meanwhile, pledged to deliver cash handouts, which are likely to require fewer financial resources. "Currently the key long-term yield remains at around 1.6 percent, as there have not been specific moves leading to stimulus measures such as reducing the consumption tax," said Yutaka Miura, senior technical analyst at Mizuho Securities Co. "But if such moves come into sight, such as opposition parties starting to request such measures, the yield could climb further," he said, adding that it could affect negatively to the stock market if it rises to between 1.7 and 1.8 percent.
Japan Today
2 hours ago
- Japan Today
Nikkei likely to stay above 40,000 despite political uncertainty
A financial data monitor in Tokyo shows the Nikkei Stock Average climbing above 42,000 on July 24, 2025. (Kyodo) ==Kyodo By Risako Nakanishi Boosted by a Japan-U.S. trade deal, the Nikkei stock index is expected to stay afloat above the 40,000 threshold at least for a while, despite political uncertainty created by the major setback suffered by Japan's ruling parties in a recent national election. The benchmark may soon break its record high by surpassing 42,224.02 registered a year ago, but the market could face a downside risk if long-term interest rates surge further due to expectations of expansionary fiscal measures like a consumption tax cut. "With uncertainty over tariff negotiations dispelled, it makes it easier for companies to foresee future earnings, helping to support the stock market," said Maki Sawada, a strategist at the Investment Content Department of Nomura Securities Co. The Nikkei added more than 2,000 points over the two days through Thursday after the agreement that U.S. tariffs on imported Japanese cars and other goods will be lowered sharply to 15 percent, although the yield on the key 10-year government bond spiked to 1.600 percent, its highest level since 2008. "As long as higher interest rates are accompanied by improving business performance, stocks will rise as seen in the past," Sawada said, expecting the index to be supported around the 40,000 line. The market is likely to be buoyed by hopes for upward revisions in earnings after some major companies like Toyota Motor Co. projected a hefty 35 percent drop in net profit for this fiscal year by factoring in an additional 25 percent tariff imposed by Washington from April. Trade data show that Japan's shipments to the United States, the largest export destination for Japanese automakers, dropped 11.4 percent in value terms in June from a year earlier for the third consecutive monthly decline, contributing to a 30.8 percent plunge in its trade surplus with the country. "Stocks may be further lifted by positive incentives like more U.S. trade deals with the European Union and China, as well as economic data and earnings," possibly sending the Nikkei to the 44,000 level at one point, said Masahiro Yamaguchi, head of investment research at SMBC Trust Bank. While many analysts believe the current level of long-term interest rates at around 1.6 percent is unlikely to be an obstacle for stocks to chase higher ground, a spike toward 2 percent may stir concerns about increased borrowing costs and dent market sentiment. Situations surrounding the bond market suggest the likelihood of the yield climbing further, as the Japan-U.S. trade deal helped ease concern about the prospects of the domestic economy and will make it easier for the Bank of Japan to further raise interest rates. The tariff deal is a "big step forward," as it reduces economic uncertainty facing Japanese companies under U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policy, BOJ Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida said Wednesday. His remark fueled speculation that the central bank will increase the policy rate again after raising it three times since March last year to around 0.50 percent, as it shifts from a decade of unorthodox monetary easing. "Given that the tariff negotiations ended up with a desirable agreement despite expectations of tough going, the recession risk in the second half of this year has alleviated considerably," said Daiju Aoki, chief Japan economist at UBS SuMi TRUST Wealth Management Co. "Japan's interest rates are likely to remain elevated with the probability of a rate hike by the end of year increasing significantly," Aoki said, adding that investors will adopt a cautious stance about buying bonds, whose prices move inversely to yields. Reflecting expectations for weakening demand, the auction for 40-year government bonds held Wednesday was sluggish, with the bid-to-cover ratio standing at 2.13 percent, its lowest level since 2011. Higher yields also followed on from the results of Sunday's House of Councillors election, which raised the possibility that expansionary fiscal measures may be adopted in the future, leading to further deterioration in Japan's fiscal health. The Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito suffered a major setback in the election, losing their majority in the upper house, with opposition forces urging that the consumption tax be cut, suspended, or even abolished to ease the pain of inflation. The ruling coalition, meanwhile, pledged to deliver cash handouts, which are likely to require fewer financial resources. "Currently the key long-term yield remains at around 1.6 percent, as there have not been specific moves leading to stimulus measures such as reducing the consumption tax," said Yutaka Miura, senior technical analyst at Mizuho Securities Co. "But if such moves come into sight, such as opposition parties starting to request such measures, the yield could climb further," he said, adding that it could affect negatively to the stock market if it rises to between 1.7 and 1.8 percent. © KYODO
The Mainichi
2 hours ago
- The Mainichi
Kirin launches 20-yr whisky aging service for life milestones
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A new service launched by Kirin Brewery Co. lets customers purchase malt whisky at key life moments and age it for 20 years, offering tasting samples along the way to experience the flavor's evolution. The initial offering, launched June 6 on the crowdfunding platform Makuake, sold out the same day. The major Japanese brewer hopes to roll out the service on a larger scale next year. The full package, priced at 110,000 yen ($745), ages whisky in barrels at a distillery in Gotemba, Shizuoka Prefecture, near Mt. Fuji. Customers receive six 100-milliliter samples over the years, with a final 700-milliliter bottle delivered after two decades. Customers also have the option of enclosing a letter to their future selves or children, turning the experience into a time capsule. "We hope people will enjoy the way whisky matures alongside their own lives and those of their families," said Kyosuke Kojima, the 34-year-old Kirin Brewery employee behind the project.
