Amid economic and societal pressures in Japan, more and more people are choosing not to get married. Many also work as ‘nonregular workers’ and like being alone. What does the future of dating and relationships look like in Japan, and what can brands learn from these shifting preferences?
Sari Suzuki is a Nagoya University International Development master's student majoring in Inclusive Society and State Programme. Her research interests include Indonesian migrants, labour migration, and Japanese society.
Maximilien Xavier Rehm is a researcher based in Kyoto, Japan. He holds an MA in international relations from Ritsumeikan University and is currently a PhD Candidate at Doshisha University. His research focuses on the politics of migration in Japan, as the country's demographic challenges have led policymakers to adopt increasingly proactive immigration policies. Aside from numerous academic publications related to his primary research topic, Rehm is a frequent commentator on contemporary Japanese politics and society, including foreign policy. His analysis has been published in The Japan Times, The Diplomat, The Interpreter, and the East Asia Forum, among others.
As a local guide, Very has lived in Japan for over a decade and has since become an expert in introducing Japanese culture, history, and traditions. His experience has also deepened his understanding of Japanese customs, including how Japanese people live their lives.
Yohana Belinda is a journalist based in Jakarta. She writes about human interest, fashion, art, and politics, among other topics. Most of her bylines are with The Jakarta Post, a leading English-language newspaper in Indonesia.