A Japanese government survey released Monday (Aug 25) found that 35% of single young people in the country said they have no plans to marry. This is a new sign reflecting the increasingly common trend among the youth of the Land of the Cherry Blossoms to avoid starting a family.
According to the survey results, many young people do not want to marry due to concerns about unstable income as well as changes in their personal lifestyles. Experts say this is one of the key factors leading to Japan's record-low birth rate in recent years.
The survey was conducted as the Japanese government pushes ahead with various policies to encourage young people to marry and have children, including financial support measures and improving work-life balance. However, the results show there is still a wide gap between the government's aspirations and the actual mindset of young people.
The data also shows gender differences in attitudes toward marriage. Among respondents, the proportion of men who do not want to marry was somewhat higher than that of women, with reasons mainly related to financial burdens and family responsibilities.
The survey results were released as Japan faces an increasingly serious problem of an aging population and labor shortages. Analysts suggest that if this trend continues, the government will need to make stronger policy adjustments to address the root of the issue.
