Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the phenomenon of "婚活" (marriage activities) in Japan, highlighting the intense competition and societal pressures surrounding marriage, which have transformed it into a highly commercialized and stratified industry [8][12][22]. Group 1: Marriage Market Dynamics - In 2023, nearly one-third of all marriages in Japan involved the use of matchmaking services [11]. - The number of young people using matchmaking services in Japan has increased 2.5 times from 2019 to 2024, with those over 50 also doubling [14]. - The marriage market in Japan is characterized by a significant emphasis on social status, with matchmaking seen as a means to assess and potentially elevate one's social standing [12][22]. Group 2: Investment in Marriage - Individuals in Japan invest heavily in their marriage prospects, including fees for matchmaking services, training courses, and personal grooming [16][27]. - On average, members spend about 300,000 to 400,000 yen (approximately 15,000 to 20,000 RMB) annually on marriage-related activities [28]. - The competitive nature of marriage leads individuals to seek various forms of self-improvement, including physical appearance and social skills [24][30]. Group 3: Socioeconomic Barriers - The article highlights the emergence of "结婚难民" (marriage refugees), particularly among low-income men, who face significant barriers to marriage due to financial instability [44][46]. - Data shows that the percentage of men aged 50 who have never married rose from 2.6% in 1980 to 28.3% in 2020 [47]. - Women in Japan often seek partners with stable incomes, with a threshold of 4 million yen (approximately 200,000 RMB) being a common expectation [48]. Group 4: Gender Disparities - High-earning women face challenges in the marriage market, as their expectations often exceed the available pool of suitable partners [62][64]. - The article notes that women with higher education levels experience higher rates of remaining unmarried compared to their male counterparts [62]. - As women age, they confront the dilemma of either lowering their standards or remaining unmarried, which reflects broader societal pressures [70]. Group 5: Rural Marriage Challenges - In rural areas, the lack of eligible partners exacerbates the difficulties of marriage, with marriage rates significantly lower than in urban areas [75]. - The phenomenon of "农村花嫁" (rural brides) has emerged as a government response to the shortage of women in rural areas, leading to international matchmaking efforts [80]. - However, the experiences of these foreign brides often involve significant cultural and social challenges, raising questions about the nature of these marriages [86][89].

Core Insights - The article discusses the phenomenon of "婚活" (marriage activities) in Japan, highlighting the societal pressures and extensive efforts individuals must undertake to find a spouse, akin to job hunting [3][4][10]. Group 1: Marriage Market Dynamics - In 2023, nearly one-third of all individuals getting married in Japan utilized matchmaking services, indicating a significant reliance on structured assistance for marriage [4]. - The number of young people using matchmaking services in Japan has increased 2.5 times from 2019 to 2024, with those over 50 also seeing a doubling in membership [6]. - The marriage market in Japan is highly competitive, with individuals investing heavily in personal development, including appearance and social skills, to enhance their attractiveness [10][13]. Group 2: Financial Implications - Participants in matchmaking services typically spend between 300,000 to 400,000 yen (approximately 15,000 to 20,000 RMB) annually on various fees, including membership and event participation [13]. - A young woman reported spending about 100,000 yen monthly on marriage activities, equating the effort to that of pursuing a graduate degree [15]. - The financial burden of marriage activities can lead to significant debt, as illustrated by a man's experience of accumulating debt while trying to navigate the marriage market [20]. Group 3: Societal Pressures and Class Disparities - The article highlights a growing divide in marriage prospects based on income, with men earning below 3 million yen (approximately 150,000 RMB) facing extremely low chances of finding a partner [23]. - High-income women often face challenges in the marriage market due to their elevated standards, leading to a mismatch in available partners [30]. - The phenomenon of "结婚难民" (marriage refugees) is prevalent, referring to individuals who desire marriage but struggle to find suitable partners due to societal and economic pressures [21][29]. Group 4: Rural vs. Urban Marriage Challenges - The marriage rate for men in urban areas is around 40%, while in rural areas, it drops to 30%, highlighting the difficulties faced by men in less populated regions [37]. - The Japanese government has attempted to address the rural marriage crisis by promoting international marriages, particularly with women from developing countries [39][41]. - The trend of "rural brides" marrying Japanese men has been declining, exacerbating the challenges faced by rural men in finding partners [49].