More than 25% of the Japanese population is over the age of 65. With a low birthrate and increasing life expectancy, that figure is only set to increase. Japan is renowned for its respectful and traditionally regimented attitudes towards seniors, but what does it really mean to be ageing now, in the world’s oldest population?

Driven by an increasing sense of loneliness, the concept of a shared house is being adopted by Japan's young singletons. Yet with so many people in Japan struggling with social anxieties, how are these micro-communities forming?

“No religion teaches how to hate,” reads the website for Kyoto-based Shunkoin Temple. “Religion teaches how to love and respect others." Established in 1590, Shunkoin has become the first historic temple to offer gay weddings in Japan, despite the fact they’re not legal there.

Around 40% of Gen Y think “'til death do us part” is no longer relevant, and more are saying “I don't” to tying the knot. Fusing their love of tech with real-life romance, the Facebook generation is ‘beta-testing’ marriage. But what's driving them to put commitment on probation?