Exploring the Rise of Friendship Marriages in Japan

In Japan, a notable trend has emerged, characterized by individuals opting for nonsexual "friendship marriages," as exemplified by Satsuki and Minato, who live in the Chugoku region. Three years after their union, they shed light on their unique arrangement, distinguishing it from typical marriages motivated by romantic feelings or visa complications. Their decision highlights a growing number of couples who prefer such practical partnerships for advantages like social security benefits, even if it diverges from their sexual orientation.

Through an online platform for friendship marriage seekers, Satsuki and Minato connected, confirming shared core values before formalizing their union. Satsuki, who identifies as attracted to women, had often faced familial pressure to marry, while Minato, with romantic inclinations towards women, faced expectations of married life and offspring. Their marriage was thus a pragmatic choice, allowing them to create a family unit without conventional romantic involvement.

After 2019, Satsuki and Minato established a household together and welcomed a child through assisted reproductive methods, describing their bond in lighthearted terms—Satsuki views Minato as akin to a distant relative, while he humorously refers to their relationship as a partnership akin to comrades. While their parents remain unaware of the true nature of their union, their decision represents a broader societal shift, as marriage agencies report a steady increase in such arrangements, primarily among those who do not identify strongly with traditional sexual attraction.

Colorus Friendship Marriage, established in Tokyo, has facilitated over 300 such unions since its inception, indicating a notable demand among individuals seeking life partners beyond romantic love. The agency's director notes that many clients pursue these arrangements for practical purposes, underlining the evolving landscape of relationships amid Japan's persistent traditional marriage ideals.

Professor Hiroyuki Kubota acknowledges that although views on marriage are diversifying, the conventional notion of marriage leading to child-rearing remains strong, as evidenced by societal pressures. Interestingly, a majority of married couples in Japan now live in sexless marriages, which indicates that many partnerships may evolve into more pragmatic arrangements rather than those founded solely on passion.