Japan influencer sparks debate after requesting 50 million yen partner income

Influencer Rie Ayase has sparked significant online discussion following her appearance on the television program ‘Matsuko no Shiranai Sekai’. During a segment regarding marriage hunting (konkatsu) trends, the 28-year-old model stated that she would require a partner with an annual income of at least 50 million yen, particularly when considering future children.

Data from the National Tax Agency indicates that individuals earning over 25 million yen represent less than 1% of the population, making her initial requirement statistically rare. Following counseling from marriage advisor Miyuki Uekusa, who noted that such high earners are often much older, Ayase eventually adjusted her target income to 8 million yen to avoid dating significantly older men.

The incident has highlighted broader structural shifts in Japanese society, where increased economic independence among women allows for the choice of remaining single rather than settling for partners who do not improve their standard of living. While the specific figure of 50 million yen drew criticism on social media, commentators suggest it reflects a growing trend where individuals prioritize specific lifestyle standards over the traditional necessity of marriage.