Marriage
1. Average age of marriage.
People are getting married in older ages lately, due to multiple reasons. Back in early 70's, the average age for people to get married was around the age of 25.
Now, the average rose to 30.8 for men and 29.2 for women. Some says it's because the economy is in recession, makes more women to pursue their career. In other words, many think they are not wealthy enough to have a spouse. It is natural to think people want to find a spouse who has similar financial status. Many women are becoming more independent in the society, yet certain number of women wanting to become a full-time housewife.
Or from a different perspective, people are more satisfied with staying single than before. You can connect with people through SNS, or even find a partner online. Committing to someone is really a big thing, anywhere in the world, which may be taken too seriously in Japan.
2. Marriage expenses.
Expenses of marriage in Japan may be surprising to some of you.
The average cost is about ¥3,500,000 ($31,000), which includes ceremony, reception, durable goods and honey-moon.
In addition, to rent a wedding dress or "kimono" (formal traditional wear), cost around from ¥200,000 to ¥500,000 ($1,750 to $4,400).
3. "Goshugi".
It is a congratulatory gift that given to the couple by whom invited to the wedding. The gift is normally money, custom to be fold in envelop, for around ¥30,000 ($260). And money you put needs to be new bills, so people go to bank to get them.
This is a gift that everyone SHOULD bring to the wedding and give it at the reception of the wedding.
4. Shinto and Christian weddings.
Almost 70% of couple get married in christian churches even though they are not christian. And less than 15% of couple get married in shinto style. This is because they think its romantic to get married in a church. This relates to Japanese celebrates Christmas, again, many of them are non-christian.
5. Arranged marriage.
There are roughly 6% of married couples are arranged in Japan.
How it's done is, there is a person called "go-between" who introduces a couple by means of each one's pictures and resumes. When the both agreed to meet, the "go-between" arranges their first meeting where accompanied, normally, with each one's parents.
After meeting for over certain period of time, they make their decision to get married, or not.
This "go-between" person is often your relative, but sometimes is your boss at work, friends, or even a professional, the marriage agency.
6. Divorce.
Divorce rate in Japan is about 50% of the US. Per 1,000 middle aged couple was 2 per a year in 2012. The number is doubled when compared to 1970, means more women becoming independent.
The average number of years divorced couples had been married is roughly 10.
Alimony payment for divorce in 2012, was about ¥3,800,000 ($33,500).
Kinda ironic that you spend more money to split.
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