Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the changing dynamics of women's lives in Japan, particularly focusing on the increasing number of women living independently without marriage, driven by economic stagnation and societal shifts [4][5]. Group 1: Economic Context - Japan's prolonged economic stagnation has led to a significant shift in women's life choices, with marriage no longer seen as a safety net but rather a potential risk [5]. - The employment landscape for women has deteriorated, with a high percentage (54.8%) of women in non-regular employment as of 2019, compared to 25.7% for men, leading to lower average monthly salaries [7][8]. - The average annual income for men aged 35-44 decreased by approximately 11% from 1997 to 2020, contributing to the perception that marriage is no longer financially beneficial [9]. Group 2: Changing Marriage Dynamics - The traditional path of "marriage and resignation" has shifted to a fear of job loss, with only 17.6% of non-regular female workers able to transition to permanent positions in the past five years [8]. - Among unmarried women aged 30-34, 46.2% cite the lack of a financially stable partner as a primary reason for remaining single [8]. - The concept of "working poverty" affects many single women, with an average disposable income of 2.87 million yen (approximately 140,000 RMB) per year, barely covering basic living expenses [8]. Group 3: Social and Institutional Challenges - The traditional gender roles in Japanese society have eroded, making marriage less appealing as men’s incomes stagnate and women bear the brunt of household responsibilities [9][10]. - Women spend an average of 4 hours and 3 minutes daily on household and childcare duties, while men only spend 41 minutes, leading to a "double shift" for working women [10]. - The introduction of the "pension division system" in 2014 has provided some financial security for divorced women, but single-parent households still face a high relative poverty rate of 50.6% [10]. Group 4: Systemic Inequities - Japan's welfare system primarily supports families, leaving single, divorced, or childless women at a disadvantage, often referred to as a "systemic single tax" [12][13]. - Single women face higher tax burdens due to the lack of benefits available to married individuals, and they receive lower pension benefits [12]. - By 2040, it is projected that 35% of women aged 65 and older will live alone, with a significantly higher poverty rate compared to their male counterparts [12]. Group 5: Conclusion and Future Outlook - The article emphasizes that while women in Japan have gained more choices, these freedoms come with increased risks and lack of support [15][16]. - A call for a social safety net that does not rely on marriage is highlighted as essential for ensuring that all individuals, regardless of marital status, have security in times of need [16].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the changing dynamics of marriage and singlehood among women in Japan, highlighting the economic and social factors that influence their choices and the resulting implications for their lives and well-being [4][5][6]. Group 1: Economic Context - Japan's prolonged economic stagnation has led to a significant shift in women's life choices, with the lifetime unmarried rate for women projected to approach 30% by 2035 [6]. - The traditional view of marriage as a safety net has transformed into a perception of risk, as many women weigh the costs and benefits of marriage against their economic stability [7]. - The employment landscape has changed drastically since the 1990s, with women often relegated to non-regular employment, resulting in lower average salaries and job security compared to men [9][10]. Group 2: Changing Marriage Dynamics - The historical norm of "marriage followed by resignation" has shifted to a reluctance to resign from jobs due to the fear of losing economic independence [11]. - Many women cite the lack of a financially stable partner as a primary reason for remaining unmarried, with 46.2% of unmarried women aged 30-34 identifying this as a key factor [11]. - The burden of household responsibilities remains disproportionately on women, leading to a "double shift" where they manage both professional and domestic duties [16]. Group 3: Social Security and Support Systems - Japan's social security system is primarily designed around the family unit, leaving single women at a disadvantage in terms of tax benefits and pension entitlements [20][21]. - The concept of a "single tax" emerges, where unmarried women face higher tax burdens and lower social security benefits compared to their married counterparts [21]. - The increasing number of elderly single women is projected to face higher poverty rates, exacerbated by their longer life expectancy and lower lifetime earnings [21][22]. Group 4: Implications of Freedom and Autonomy - While women in Japan have gained more choices regarding marriage and career, this newfound freedom does not come with adequate support or security [25]. - The article emphasizes that the autonomy women experience is often a forced choice, leading to increased risks and uncertainties in their lives [26]. - The narrative of older women living in poverty highlights the systemic failures in providing adequate support for those who choose or are forced into singlehood [27][28].