Hidden Tenacity? Low Divorce Rate in Japan Scrutinized by Experts

Experts have begun scrutinizing Japan's notably low divorce rates, hinting that it might be the result of persistent patience or endurance within married couples. This discussion shines a spotlight on Japan's social fabric and conveys the challenges some Japanese couples may face in an inflexible society that often values harmony, sometimes at the expense of personal happiness. The exact reasons or speculations have yet to be thoroughly explored.

In Japan, divorce has traditionally been seen negatively, and many people believe that marital difficulties should be endured for the sake of social harmony and family reputation. This societal sentiment often leads individuals, especially women, to endure marriages that aren't fulfilling. However, this trend is slowly changing with younger generations seeking more personal satisfaction within their marital relationships.

In comparison, the US and EU have a higher divorce rate, often attributed to the larger societal acceptance of divorce as a personal choice rather than a social failure. Personal happiness and the emotional well-being of individuals within the marriage are often given higher priority than maintaining an unsatisfactory marriage for the sake of social expectations.

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To understand the context of marriage and divorce in Japan, please refer to the following research papers and articles -
1. Divorce in Japan: Why it's rare, and how it's changing
2. Cultural views on divorce