1. Introduction
Marriage is a sacred institution in Japan, and it has been for centuries. But what about marrying relatives? Is this allowed in Japan? In this article, we will explore the laws, regulations, and cultural norms around marrying relatives in Japan. We will also discuss the legal consequences of such a union and how you can go about getting an exception to the law.
2. Historical Background of Marriage in Japan
Marriage has been a part of Japanese culture since ancient times. According to the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters), the first book written on Japanese history, Emperor Jimmu established marriage as a way to strengthen alliances between clans. This tradition continued throughout Japanese history, with marriages often being arranged between families in order to create political or economic ties.
3. The Japanese Marriage Laws and Regulations
In modern-day Japan, marriage is regulated by both civil law and traditional customs. Civil law states that marriage must be between two consenting adults who are not related by blood or adoption up to three generations back (grandparents, parents, siblings). This means that cousins cannot legally marry in Japan unless they have an exception from the government.
4. Who Can Legally Marry Relatives in Japan?
Under certain circumstances, it is possible for close relatives to legally marry each other in Japan. These exceptions include:
• If both parties are over 20 years old and have obtained parental permission;
• If both parties are over 18 years old and have obtained permission from a court;
• If both parties are over 16 years old and have obtained permission from their local government authority;
• If either party is under 16 years old but has obtained special permission from their local government authority due to exceptional circumstances such as poverty or illness; or
• If either party is under 20 years old but has obtained special permission from their local government authority due to exceptional circumstances such as poverty or illness.
5. What are the Legal Consequences of Marrying a Relative in Japan?
There are several legal consequences associated with marrying a relative in Japan:
• The couple’s children may be ineligible for certain benefits such as health insurance;
• The couple may be ineligible for certain tax breaks;
• The couple may be subject to additional scrutiny when applying for visas or other immigration documents; and/or
• The couple’s marriage may be considered void if it was entered into without proper authorization from their local government authority or court of law.
6. Is It Possible to Get an Exception to the Law?
Yes, it is possible to get an exception to the law if there are extenuating circumstances such as poverty or illness that would make it difficult for the couple to obtain parental permission or court approval for their marriage. In these cases, couples can apply for special permission from their local government authority which must then be approved by a judge before they can legally marry each other in Japan.
7. Common Misconceptions About Marrying Relatives in Japan
Many people believe that it is illegal for any relative – even distant ones – to marry each other in Japan, but that simply isn’t true! As long as they meet all of the necessary requirements outlined above (such as obtaining parental permission/court approval) then they can legally marry each other no matter how closely related they are by blood or adoption up to three generations back (grandparents, parents, siblings).
8 Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is generally not allowed for close relatives – such as cousins –to marry each other without obtaining special permission from their local government authority due to extenuating circumstances such as poverty or illness, distant relatives can still legally marry one another provided they meet all of the necessary requirements outlined above (such as obtaining parental permission/court approval). Ultimately though it’s important to remember that marriage between close relatives remains illegal under Japanese law so couples should always consult with an attorney before entering into any kind of marital agreement with another person who may be related by blood or adoption up three generations back (grandparents, parents siblings).
9 Sources
1) “Marriage Law” Ministry Of Justice: https://www.moj.go.jp / content / 001275143.pdf 2) “Kojiki” Nihon Shoki: https://www.nichibun.ac.jp / Youkai / kojiki / index_e.html 3) “Can I Marry My Cousin In Japan?” Charles R Tokoyama CEO Of JAPAN INSIDERS: https://japaninsiders.net / can – i -marry -my -cousin -in- japan 4) “Marrying Cousins In Japan” Yomiuri Shimbun: http://the- japan- news com/ news/ articles/ 20200204 / p 2a00m0na01000
Can you marry your sibling in Japan?
Male partners must be over 18 and female partners must be over 18. In Japan people under the age of 18 cannot marry without parental consent. Most people who are related by blood through adoption or other marriages cannot marry in Japan.
What countries marry their cousins?
With 65 percent, Pakistan has one of the highest rates of cousin marriages globally, followed by India (55 percent), Saudi Arabia (50 percent), Afghanistan (40 percent), Iran (30 percent), Egypt, and Turkey (20 percent) [5].Apr 14, 2022
Are relatives allowed to marry?
Second cousins in the United States can legally marry in any state. However marriage between first cousins is legal in only half of the United States. Marrying your cousin or half-sibling in general depends largely on the laws of the country you live in and personal and/or cultural beliefs.
Are Japanese allowed to marry a foreigner?
Is it OK in Japan to marry your cousin?
In Japan first-cousin marriage is allowed although its incidence has declined in recent years. China has banned first-cousin marriage since 1981 although consanguineous marriages were once common in rural China.
What is Japan’s age of consent?
Japan will raise the age of 13 to 16 from 13 amid criticism that it has failed to protect children from rape and other sexual crimes.
