1. Introduction
Arranged marriage is a practice that has been around for centuries and is still widely practiced today, especially in countries like India and China. But what about arranged marriage in Japan? What is it called and how does it work? In this article, we will take a look at the history and practice of arranged marriage in Japan, exploring its purpose, benefits, challenges, and more.
2. Definition of Arranged Marriage in Japan
In Japan, arranged marriage is known as “omiai” or “miai”. It is a traditional form of matchmaking where parents arrange meetings between potential spouses for their children. The meetings are often supervised by an intermediary such as a matchmaker or family member who will facilitate the process and offer advice to both parties if needed.
3. History of Arranged Marriage in Japan
Arranged marriages have been practiced in Japan since the Edo period (1603-1868). During this time, marriages were handled almost exclusively by families with the help of intermediaries such as matchmakers or relatives who worked to ensure that the couple was compatible and had similar backgrounds. After World War II, however, arranged marriages began to decline in popularity due to changing social norms and values.
4. Types of Arranged Marriages in Japan
There are two main types of arranged marriages in Japan: formal omiai (formal meetings) and informal omiai (informal meetings). Formal omiai involve more detailed negotiations between families while informal omiai involve less intensive negotiations but still require parental involvement. In either case, however, both parties must agree to the arrangement before any binding commitments can be made.
5. Benefits of Arranged Marriages in Japan
Arranged marriages have many benefits for those involved including: providing stability for both partners; allowing couples to get to know each other better before making a commitment; reducing financial burden on families; encouraging couples to think more deeply about their relationship; providing an opportunity for parents to stay involved with their children’s lives; reducing stress associated with dating; providing support from extended family members; and ensuring compatibility between partners based on shared values and beliefs.
6. Challenges of Arranged Marriages in Japan
Despite its advantages, there are also some challenges associated with arranged marriage in Japan including: pressure from parents or other family members; lack of freedom for individuals to choose their own partner; potential difficulties adjusting after marriage due to cultural differences; difficulty finding compatible partners due to limited options available through matchmakers or relatives; lack of privacy during negotiations leading up to the marriage; potential feelings of resentment towards parents or other family members if things don’t go according to plan; potential financial burden if one partner is unable or unwilling to contribute financially after marriage; and potential legal issues if one partner refuses consent after engagement has been finalized but before the wedding takes place.
7. Conclusion
In conclusion, while arranged marriage has been practiced in Japan for centuries it has seen a decline since World War II due largely to changing social norms and values. Despite this decline there are still many people who practice it today due to its numerous benefits including providing stability for both partners and creating an opportunity for parents to stay involved with their children’s lives. However there are also some challenges associated with it such as pressure from family members or difficulty finding compatible partners through matchmakers or relatives which can lead to feelings of resentment towards parents or other family members if things don’t go according to plan..
8. FAQs About Arranged Marriage in Japan
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Q: What is an arranged marriage called in Japan?
A: An arranged marriage is called “omiai” or “miai” in Japanese culture.”
Q: How long has arranged marriage been practiced in Japan?
A: Arranged marriages have been practiced since the Edo period (1603-1868).
Q: Are there different types of arranged marriages?
A: Yes – there are two main types – formal omiai (formal meetings) and informal omiai (informal meetings).
9 Sources & Further Reading
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Japan Times – “What Is O-Miai? A Look at Arranged Marriages” https://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2014/02/15/general/what-is-o-miai-a-look-at-arranged-marriages/#.XjEfFbZKjcs The Guardian – “Japanese Weddings: How They Work” https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/17/japanese-weddings-how-they-work BBC News – “The Pressure Of An Arranged Marriage In India” https://www
What is arranged marriage in Japanese?
Miyai (见合狼 literally means seeking happiness) or omiai (お见合い) as it is known in Japan with the honorific prefix o- is a traditional Japanese practice closely related to Western dating. Be a woman and a man. Get acquainted and consider the possibility of marriage.
What is omiai in Japan?
omiai (countable and uncountable plural omiais or omiai) A Japanese practice of introducing unrelated people to each other to discuss the possibility of marriage.
What is Japanese marriage called?
The Shinto wedding Shinzen kekkon (神前結婚結家) originated in Japan in the early 20th century and became popular after the wedding of Crown Prince Yoshihito and his bride Princess Kujo Sadako.
How many types of marriage are in Japan?
There are two main types of marriage in Japan: a civil ceremony or a religious ceremony. You can only have a civil marriage or a combination of both but for a marriage to be considered legal under Japanese law it must go through a civil registration process at a city or municipality office.
Do Japanese still do arranged marriages?
Until the post-war period most Japanese marriages were arranged through official Mia meetings by conciliators. Although this practice continues today in a small group size they are usually formed by specialized societies.
Do they have arranged marriage in Japan?
In the 1940s a good 70 percent of marriages were performed this way but now less than 6 percent – and mostly in rural areas where tradition is hard to come by and young people are hard to find. They make a good kid/parent drama so they pop up a lot in the anime.