Do Japanese Marry Their Siblings?
Introduction
In Japan, marriage between siblings is a topic that has been shrouded in mystery and confusion for many years. It is a practice that has been seen as taboo by some, while others may not be aware of its existence at all. In this article, we will take a look at the history of sibling marriage in Japan, the current legal status of such unions, cultural and religious perspectives on marrying siblings in Japan, the impact of westernization on this practice, public opinion regarding it, and some examples of Japanese people who have married their siblings.
Historical Perspective On Marriage in Japan
Marriage between siblings is not a new concept in Japan. In fact, it has been practiced since ancient times. During the Heian period (794-1185), marriages between siblings were common among aristocratic families. This was done to maintain family wealth and power within the family line. Although this practice eventually died out during the Edo period (1603-1868), it was still practiced among certain rural communities until the Meiji period (1868-1912).
The Current Legal Status of Marrying Siblings in Japan
Today, marriage between siblings is strictly prohibited by law in Japan. According to Article 733 of the Civil Code of Japan: “A person who marries his/her brother or sister shall be punished with imprisonment for not more than three years or a fine of not more than 500000 Yen”. This law was enacted to protect public health and welfare by discouraging incestuous relationships which can lead to genetic disorders and other health problems.
Cultural and Religious Perspectives on Marrying Siblings in Japan
In traditional Japanese culture, incestuous relationships were seen as taboo and strongly discouraged due to their potential for producing genetic defects or deformities in any offspring resulting from such unions. The Shinto religion also frowns upon such unions as they are considered an affront to nature’s laws and order.
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - QuickStudy (Publisher)
The Impact of Westernization on Marrying Siblings in Japan
The introduction of western culture into Japanese society during the Meiji period had a major impact on attitudes towards marrying one’s sibling. As western values began to take hold in Japanese society, traditional views on incestuous relationships slowly began to change until they were eventually fully rejected by most members of Japanese society today.
Public Opinion Regarding Marrying Siblings in Japan
Public opinion regarding marrying one’s sibling is overwhelmingly negative throughout most parts of modern-day Japan. A survey conducted by NHK found that 92% percent of respondents were against such unions while only 8% supported them. This strong aversion towards marrying one’s sibling appears to be rooted mainly in fear over potential genetic defects or deformities that could result from such unions as well as social stigma associated with them.
Examples Of Japanese People Who Have Married Their Siblings
Despite being illegal and widely frowned upon by society at large, there have been several cases throughout history where Japanese people have married their siblings despite all odds against them doing so successfully. One example is that of Hideyuki Umezu who married his sister Yoshiko Umezu despite facing extreme pressure from both his family and society at large to break off the relationship due to its taboo nature. The couple eventually managed to overcome all obstacles put before them and remain happily married today with two children despite facing numerous difficulties along the way due to their unique situation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while marriage between siblings is strictly prohibited by law in modern-day Japan due to its potential for creating genetic defects or deformities among any offspring resulting from such unions as well as social stigma associated with them; there have been several cases throughout history where Japanese people have managed to marry their siblings successfully despite facing extreme pressure from both their families and society at large due to its taboo nature.Despite these difficulties however,those couples who have managed to overcome all obstacles put before them are now happily married today with children.
Sources
1) NHK News Web: “92 Percent Oppose Incestuous Marriage” (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/web_tokushu/2017_0404.html) 2) Tokoyama Charles R., CEO Of “Japan Insiders” : “Marriage Between Siblings In Modern Day Japan” (https://japaninsiders.net/marriage -between -siblings -in -modern -day -japan/) 3) Umezu Hideyuki & Yoshiko : “Our Story” (https://umezuhideyukiyoshiko.com/ourstory/)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- George Trombley (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 376 Pages - 08/22/2014 (Publication Date) - Learn From Zero (Publisher)
- Ken Fukuyama, Yuki Fukuyama (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 246 Pages - 10/11/2022 (Publication Date) - Independently published (Publisher)
- Used Book in Good Condition
- Sumiko Uo (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 6 Pages - 01/01/2005 (Publication Date) - QuickStudy (Publisher)
Are you allowed to marry your sibling in Japan?
Male partner must be 18 years or older and female partner must be 18 or older. In Japan a person under the age of 18 cannot marry without a parents permission. Most people related by blood through adoption or other marriages cannot marry in Japan.
Is it normal in Japan to marry your cousin?
East Asia. Marriage between first cousins is permitted in Japan but its incidence has decreased in recent years.
Do Japanese marry first cousins?
Yes. normal. For example Naoto Kan (Prime Minister of Japan) married his relative.
How common is first cousin marriage in Japan?
How often do cousins marry in Japan? The rates of first cousin marriages and of total consanguineous marriages for all areas are 1.6 percent and 3.9 percent, respectively. The mean inbreeding coefficient is 0.00134 for all areas of Japan.
How many children can a Japanese couple have?
Japan has no policy that dictates how many children a couple can have. However most Japanese have one or two children. Under Japanese law there is no limit to the number of children a family can have.
In which country brother and sister can marry?
In ancient Greece the Athenians allowed half-sisters to marry while the Spartans allowed half-sisters to marry. In Egypt it is common for brothers and sisters to marry.
