"Married but No Love or Sex"... Highly Educated Japanese in Their 30s Seeking 'Friendship Marriages'

A report has emerged that the culture of 'friendship marriage,' which does not seek love or sexual relationships, is spreading in Japan.

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On the 8th, Hong Kong's South China Morning Post (SCMP) cited data from Japan's friendship marriage specialist company 'Colorus' and reported that about 1% of Japan's population of approximately 124 million could be candidates for 'friendship marriage.' Colorus is Japan's first friendship marriage specialized agency, founded in March 2015, and is known to have about 500 members to date.

'Friendship marriage' refers to a relationship of cohabitation based on shared interests and values. Although legally spouses, they do not pursue romantic love or sexual relationships typically expected in conventional marriage. Couples who choose friendship marriage may live together or separately, and if they decide to have children, they may opt for artificial insemination. With mutual consent, they may freely pursue romantic relationships with others outside the marriage.

SCMP reported that this type of relationship is gaining attention among people disillusioned with traditional marriage, as well as among asexual and LGBTQ+ individuals.

A woman in her third year of friendship marriage told the media, "Friendship marriage is like finding a roommate with similar interests. I am not suitable to be someone's girlfriend, but I can be a good friend," adding, "I hoped that people with similar tastes could do what they like, talk, and laugh together."

According to Colorus, the average age of those interested in friendship marriage is 32.5 years old, 85% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and their income exceeds the national average.

Couples who choose friendship marriage first specifically agree on daily details such as how many hours or days they will eat together before marriage, and how to share various expenses and household chores. The agency reported that 80% of couples who chose friendship marriage were satisfied with their lives, and many couples are raising children.

Colorus explained, "Although friendship marriages sometimes end in divorce, the advantages are that couples can receive policy benefits and enjoy a partnership," adding, "It is an alternative that can help people who dislike traditional marriage or feel socially marginalized."