More and more people in Tochigi do not want to get married

The proportion of people in Japan who do not want to get married has been increasing for years, as surveys repeatedly show. In July, Tochigi Prefecture surveyed its residents, and this survey also confirmed the general trend.

Residents were asked to indicate their willingness to marry. There are four answers to choose from: “would like to get married immediately,” “would like to get married in two to three years,” “would like to get married one day,” and “have no intention of getting married.”

Proportion of people who do not want to marry has increased significantly

21.6 percent of 18- to 29-year-olds said they did not want to get married, compared to 10.9 percent five years ago. Among 30-year-olds, the proportion rose to 34.1 percent (compared to 23.3 percent in 2019). 52.8 percent of 40-year-olds (compared to 42.6 percent) and 68.4 percent of 50-year-olds (compared to 64.1 percent) also choose this option.

The most common reason women of all ages gave for not wanting to get married was, “I don’t find it attractive or necessary.” This was also one of the most common responses among men and the top reason for those aged 30 to 40. “I can’t have a good relationship with someone of the opposite sex.” Romance is a hassle,” was a consistent reason among those aged 18 to 29, while those aged 50 and over most often answered, “It’s difficult because of my age and other reasons.”

Proportion of older people who have never been married increases in the prefecture

The proportion of people who have never been married by age 50 (lifetime unmarried rate) is 27.0 percent for men and 13.9 percent for women in Tochigi Prefecture, according to the 2020 census, and both figures continue to rise. The lifetime unmarried rate for men in Tochigi is the ninth highest among Japan’s 47 prefectures, while the rate for women is 37th.

The situation is no better across the country. A survey from last year shows that around 60 percent of people who belong to Generation Z say they would not mind if they never got married.

Since other surveys also show that interest in marriage is declining in Japan, many politicians believe that this is one of the main reasons for the declining birth rate in the country.

The Japanese government is now considering supporting people in the country in finding a partner and getting married, including with a dating app.