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A new trend has emerged in Japan where young women are rejecting traditional wedding ceremonies in favor of single marriages, where they “marry” themselves. Mana Sakura, a Japanese adult film star, is one of the prime examples of this “single marriage” trend in the country.
In March 2019, Mana Sakura held a unique wedding ceremony where only she was the bride. During the ceremony, she placed a ring on her finger and vowed, "I will respect my own life. Whether healthy or sick, I will always love myself and make myself happy."
Mana Sakura's wedding is a powerful affirmation of self-love and female independence. It also demonstrates a shift in perceptions of marriage and happiness in modern Japanese society.
Japanese women are holding wedding ceremonies with themselves.
In response to this trend, some people simply want to wear a beautiful wedding dress, while others want to mark a personal milestone, according to the South China Morning Post.
Unlike traditional weddings, a "single-person wedding" is attended by only one person, either the bride or the groom. Instead of being bound to another person, a "single-person wedding" is an opportunity to express love and self-respect. The ceremony is an affirmation of each individual's journey of growth, independence, and self-confidence. This event is considered unconstrained by traditional rules, offering creative freedom and a unique experience for each person.
Exchanging rings and reciting vows by themselves, these women go through sacred acts alone.
Single marriages are a sign of changing times. Many Japanese women are now able to support themselves without marriage and do not want to be bound by traditional cultural norms.
Japanese society is becoming increasingly open to new values, and perceptions of marriage are gradually changing. Many young people are choosing to remain single and find happiness within themselves. As Japanese women become more financially independent, they are able to pay for their own weddings and freely choose how to organize them. "Single-person weddings" allow individuals to dedicate time and energy to self-improvement, pursuing passions, and personal growth.
Thanks to the trend of being single, Japan has become a "gold market" for services catering to single people. The increasing number of single people in Japan has led to a boom in the market for services catering to those who choose independent living. In 2023, the number of weddings in Japan fell to its lowest level in 90 years, with fewer than 500,000 couples. This trend reflects a shift in Japanese people's views on marriage and family.
With declining marriage rates, the needs of single people are increasing. They are willing to pay for services that help them fully enjoy their independent lives. Travel companies are launching many travel packages specifically for singles, with services such as private guides, premium single rooms, and activities tailored to individual interests.
Japan is gradually becoming more open to new trends among young people.
The trend of single people in Japan opens up many opportunities for businesses that know how to capitalize on market demand. By offering innovative services that cater to the desires of single people, businesses can attract a large number of potential customers and achieve success. This meets the lifestyle preferences of single Japanese people, who have fewer family burdens and higher incomes, allowing them to focus on improving their quality of life.
The trend of "single-person weddings" is attracting attention and sparking heated debates in Japan and China. Some advocate this trend as a symbol of women's independence and self-reliance. They argue that women are perfectly capable of bringing happiness to themselves and do not need to depend on men. A single-person wedding is a way for them to affirm their self-worth and cherish their own journey of growth.
They see this as an opportunity to affirm their own unique values, to allow women to shine.
However, this trend has also received mixed reactions. Some argue that holding a wedding ceremony alone is a disguised form of loneliness. They worry that women who choose "solo weddings" may be struggling with relationships or lacking self-confidence.
Furthermore, some argue that this practice goes against traditional values regarding marriage and family. They believe that marriage is a union between two people, and holding a wedding ceremony alone is incomplete. Besides the debates, "single-person weddings" are also a social phenomenon reflecting changes in people's perceptions of marriage and happiness.
Regardless of the choice, it's important that each person feels happy and content with their own life. Openness and respect for individual choices are essential, avoiding prejudice and imposition.
