Ditch romantic love and marry your best friend? Discover the surprising trend of “friendship marriages” taking Japan by storm, and what it means for the future of relationships.
What is friendship marriage and why is it getting popular in Japan?
Have you ever had the idea of marrying a friend? Yes, you heard it right! You can easily marry a friend without having romantic feelings towards them. In Japan, it is known as “friendship marriage”, or “Yūjō Kekkon”(友情結婚). It has become the latest trend in Japan as more and more people are seeking practical companionship rather than romance.
We approve of the idea! For people who are constantly busy in this economy, and for people who cannot bond well enough romantically, this must be a golden opportunity.
Pros of marrying a friend
Consider marrying your closest friend instead of the “love of your life. That is the main concept of friendship marriages, a new trend gaining popularity in Japan. Forget what you know about the concept of marriage. Friendship marriages focus on friendship rather than romantic and sexual desires. Partners marry as both of them share common interests, invest in their financial stability, and gain a trustworthy roommate for life. Two of them can even split rents, taxes, and even their rooms.
This is not simply about splitting everything equally. Friendship marriages are popular among youngsters who have a problem with traditional marriages or identify as asexual or gay. They can live together or separately, and some even have children through methods such as test tube babies.
Worried about dating? It’s alright as long as everyone agrees.
How to enlist in a “Friendship Marriage”?
Well, the procedure is as simple as a normal marriage. The couples(friends) decide to sit together and include their deals in a contract. Some couples decide the dos and don’ts verbally. It’s similar to a ready-made family, but instead of selecting someone based on your heart’s choice, you choose your buddy based on compatibility. Think of discovering the ideal roommate who is your legal spouse. They can marry similarly by taking vows!
Is “friendship marriage” for you?
In a friendship marriage, the couple may decide to live together, share household responsibilities, and support one another in all parts of life. While they do not have a romantic or sexual relationship, they like each other’s presence and love spending time together. However, there may be criticisms of this concept. Some see it as a cold, loveless approach to a holy tradition. However, others consider it a reasonable option in a society with a decreasing birth rate and growing living costs. Given the current circumstances, all the BEST FRIENDS out there may give it a try!
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