Divorces in Japan have increased in the ageing population! Why?
Though the number of divorces in Japan dropped in 2022, the percentage of divorces in the ageing population has increased, the country’s welfare ministry data reveals.
Divorces in Japan
Japanese welfare ministry has revealed its data on divorces in Japan. It shows that the number of divorces in couples was 2,89,836 in the year 2002. And it showed a drop of nearly 40% twenty years later. In 2022, the divorces in the earthquake-prone nation was 1,79,099.
However, the number of divorces in the older age couples and ageing population remained steady at 40000. Thereby, the percentage of divorces in the ageing population is higher now than it was two decades back.
The reputed Asahi Shimbun newspaper of Japan reported that in 2022, 20% of divorces (38991) was in couples who had lived a married life for more than 20 years. This percentage is the highest that has been recorded since the year 1947 when the ministry started collecting data on divorces in the country.
Divorce in the ageing population
Further split-up of the divorce data showed that 16404 couples had been in a marital relationship of 20-24 years before separating legally. And 10829 couples had divorced after a marital alliance lasting 25 years or more but less than 29 years. There were 5192 couples who decided to seek divorce after 30 years of marriage. These were less than 34 years in a relationship. Whereas, 6566 couples opted for separation after staying in marriage for more than 35 years.
Despite the significant proportion of older age couples seeking divorce, the largest group of couples divorcing in 2022 were still the younger couples with marriage of less than five years duration. There were 52606 such couples who separated early in their married life.
But the absolute numbers and percentage of such couples divorcing has declined over the years. This could probably be due to the lesser number of people who are getting married.
Reasons for the divorce in ageing population
There could be multiple reasons for older age couples seeking a divorce. Counselor Atsuko Okano is president of the non-profit organization, Nikkaren. It offers family support and advice to couples who have issues in the relationship. Atsuko said:
“The significant increase in average lifespan post-World War II means couples are spending more time together after their children become independent.”
“This extended time can bring underlying differences and tensions to the surface, making it difficult for couples to stay together and often leading them to seek a new beginning.”
The digital world and internet might also have a role to play in causing the rise in divorce rate in the older age group couples. COVID pandemic and lockdown could also have contributed to the surge in the number of aged couples seeking divorce.
Also, read JD Vance and his wrong arguments on no-fault divorce!
Worldwide, countries are witnessing a rise in the number of divorces. Some countries like the UK are trying to make it easier for couples to divorce by introducing the no-fault divorce. There are some states in the USA that also have no-fault divorce.
But, there is a growing voice against easy divorce. Countries like China are tightening the laws on divorce. They want to see to it that couples find it hard to get divorce. But marriage registration has been simplified there.
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Posted on: Saturday, August 10 2024
