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].