Global Love Report – May 14th, 2025
English summary by Margaret
In Japan, intense societal pressure to marry is prompting many young people to settle down. However, some are choosing an alternative path to preserve their personal freedom: friendship marriages. These arrangements allow individuals to marry without romantic or sexual involvement, fulfilling social expectations while maintaining their independence.
One matchmaking agency, Colorus, has pioneered this approach and recently celebrated 317 friendship marriages. Founded a decade ago, the agency initially struggled to gain traction but has since grown in popularity, with hundreds now using its services. The process begins with an online questionnaire covering life expectations, relationship history, and sexual orientation. A Colorus counselor then conducts in-depth interviews and arranges meetings between potentially compatible matches.
Colorus’s clients come from diverse backgrounds. Many are gay men facing pressure from family or society to marry. The agency also serves numerous women who identify as asexual, individuals who do not experience sexual attraction but still wish to build a life with a partner and possibly start a family. Some even consider having children through in vitro fertilization within these partnerships.
As demand for this type of arrangement increases, Colorus estimates that about 1% of Japanese adults may be interested in its services, potentially representing hundreds of thousands of people.
Originally published by: radiofrance
