Redefining Matrimony: Young Japanese Couples Choose Property over Extravagant Weddings

There seems to be an emerging trend among younger generations, particularly in Japan, where they are opting for marriage without the traditional ceremony. According to a recent survey conducted by Tokyo-based market research firm, Asmark Corporation, this shift is becoming increasingly noticeable among unmarried women aged 20 to 40 residing in the Kanto and Kansai regions. Over 60% of these women expressed no interest in hosting a wedding upon marriage. The Japan Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare noted that there were approximately 100,000 fewer marriages in 2021 compared to 2019, the pre-pandemic era.

Coinciding with the trend of late marriages, many view weddings as an unnecessary luxury. Consequently, a growing number of individuals are choosing to gift real estate properties instead of engagement rings during proposals. This shift underscores a preference among these young adults to invest in long-term assets, like properties, over fleeting, extravagant expenditures like diamond rings and grand wedding ceremonies.

In response, a novel “marriage property certificate” scheme has been created by a Japanese marriage brokerage and real estate firms. This innovative approach caters to the pragmatic couples who value cost-effectiveness and practicality. One such individual…