1. Introduction
Marriage between siblings is a topic that has been discussed and debated for centuries. In Japan, the legal status of sibling marriages varies depending on several factors. In this article, we will explore the legal status of sibling marriages in Japan and the various factors that influence it. We will also discuss the cultural and social attitudes towards such unions, as well as examples of sibling marriages in Japanese history and culture. Finally, we will look at the impact of international law on the legal status of sibling marriages in Japan.
2. Historical Context
In ancient Japan, there was no law prohibiting marriage between siblings. In fact, it was not uncommon for siblings to marry each other due to a lack of suitable partners or to keep wealth within a family. During this time, marriage between siblings was seen as an act of filial piety, which was highly valued in traditional Japanese society.


However, with the introduction of Confucianism during the Edo period (1603-1868), marriage between siblings became increasingly frowned upon due to its perceived immorality. During this time, many laws were passed that prohibited or discouraged marriage between close relatives, including siblings.
3. Current Legal Status of Sibling Marriages in Japan
Today, marriage between siblings is prohibited by law in Japan according to Article 733 of the Civil Code which states: “No person shall marry his/her lineal ascendant or descendant or his/her brother or sister”. This means that it is illegal for any two people who are related by blood to marry each other regardless of their age or gender.
4. Factors that Influence the Legal Status of Sibling Marriages in Japan
The legal status of sibling marriages in Japan is influenced by several factors including religious beliefs, cultural norms and social attitudes towards such unions. For example, many religious beliefs view marriage between close relatives as immoral and therefore prohibit it from taking place within their communities or countries. Additionally, certain cultures may view such unions as taboo due to their own set of values and beliefs about familial relationships and responsibilities within a family unit.
5 Cultural and Social Attitudes Towards Sibling Marriages in Japan
In general, there is still a strong stigma attached to sibling marriages in modern day Japan despite its historical prevalence during earlier periods in Japanese history. This can be attributed to both cultural norms which dictate appropriate behavior within families as well as social pressures which frown upon such unions due to their perceived immorality or unnaturalness among some sectors of society today..
6 Examples of Sibling Marriages in Japanese History and Culture
Despite its current illegality, there have been several examples throughout Japanese history where siblings have married each other out of necessity or convenience despite societal disapproval.. For example during the Edo period (1603-1868), it was not uncommon for younger brothers to marry their elder sisters so that they could inherit property from their deceased parents.. Additionally during World War II (1939-1945), some brother-sister pairings occurred among members of the Imperial Army who had no other option but to wed due to wartime conditions..
7 The Impact Of International Law On The Legal Status Of Sibling Marriages In Japan
The legal status of sibling marriages is further complicated by international law which prohibits such unions from taking place across different countries.. For example if one partner is a citizen from another country then they are not allowed to marry someone related by blood even if it would be allowed under local laws.. As a result this can make it difficult for couples who wish to get married but are related by blood since they may be prevented from doing so even if local laws allow them too..
8 Conclusion
To conclude while marriage between siblings is illegal according to Japanese civil code there have been several examples throughout history where such unions have taken place out necessity or convenience despite societal disapproval.. Additionally international law further complicates matters since couples may be prevented from getting married even if local laws allow them too… Ultimately while there are still strong stigmas attached to such unions today understanding both historical context as well as current legal status can help individuals make informed decisions regarding whether they should pursue such relationships or not..
9 Resources/References
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Miyako Inoue (2006). “Marriage Prohibited By Law: A Reexamination Of The Prohibition Of Incestuous Marriage In Postwar Civil Code”. Harvard Journal Of Law & Gender 29(1): 1-27.
Kunio Yanagita (1971). “Mountain Village Customs”.Tokyo: Shintensha Co., Ltd
Is marrying your cousin in Japan legal?
East Asia. Cousin marriage is allowed in Japan but its incidence has decreased in recent years.
Is it illegal to date your cousin in Japan?
Japanese law allows cousins to marry. But it is said that the percentage of cousin marriages in Japan today is declining compared to the past and a survey of cousin marriages in 1983 showed a high percentage of all marriages.
Is it legal to marry your sibling?
Siblings Cant Marry in the United States Many states prohibit siblings from having sex with parents and their children and no state allows siblings to marry.
How many kids can you have in Japan?
Japan does not have a child policy that regulates the number of children a couple can have. However most Japanese have one or two children. Japanese law does not limit the number of children in a family.
What is the age of consent in Japan?
13 years old
The age of consent in Japan is 13. The Japanese Penal Code stipulates that the age of consent, i.e. the legal age at which an individual is considered to have the ability to agree to sexual activities is 13 years old as of 2022. Most countries set the age of consent at 14 to 16.Nov 11, 2022
How many children does the average Japanese family have?
Fertility rate in Japan 2010-2020 In 2020 the total fertility rate in Japan remained unchanged among girls.

