Japan youth survey reveals 35% have no intention of marrying

A large-scale survey conducted by Japan’s Children and Families Agency reveals that 35.1% of young single people aged 15 to 39 have no intention of marrying. While 37.5% expressed a desire to marry eventually, many cited significant barriers to starting a household.

Economic concerns were identified as the primary obstacle, with 40% of respondents citing anxiety over having a stable income to support married life. Other major deterrents included the loss of leisure time and hobbies (34.4%) and a lack of potential partners (32.6%).

The survey also highlighted broader social and psychological challenges among the youth. Over half of respondents reported difficulties such as dissatisfaction with their physical appearance, difficulty trusting others, and uncertainty regarding their future careers. Additionally, unmarried individuals in their 30s reported higher levels of loneliness and lower life satisfaction compared to married peers. The agency intends to use these findings to inform future policies regarding declining birthrates and youth support.