A government survey indicates that over a third of young Japanese people, aged 15-39, have no intention of marrying. Economic concerns, such as income uncertainty, and a desire to prioritize free time and hobbies are key reasons cited for this trend, which could exacerbate Japan's declining population.
The declining interest in marriage among young Japanese people could exacerbate the nation's demographic challenges, potentially impacting its workforce, tax base, and social security systems.
A significant portion of young Japanese people are opting out of marriage, with over a third of those aged 15 to 39 expressing no intention to marry, according to preliminary results from a large-scale government survey. The survey, conducted by the Children and Families Agency, found that 35.1% of respondents did not wish to marry, a figure that has seen an increase from previous polls.
Economic factors were frequently cited as a primary obstacle, with 40% of respondents indicating concerns about having sufficient income for a stable married life. This was closely followed by the desire to maintain free time and pursue hobbies, a priority for over 50% of those surveyed. Other hurdles included not finding a suitable partner and a lack of funds for housing.
The findings come as Japan grapples with a declining birthrate and an aging population. The survey, which collected data from late May to early August from approximately 100,000 individuals, with around 68,000 valid responses analyzed, aims to inform future policy measures related to demographics and family support.