Omiai: Arranged Marriages in Japan The custom still continues today but on a far smaller scale, with the number of couples getting married through omiai dropping to 5.2% in 2015. Omiai is similar to most online dating sites in the West, with couples tying the knot in just a few weeks or months of meeting.

Are arranged marriages still common in Japan?

Japan has a long history of arranged marriage, called omiai. Japan has changed its views somewhat and nowadays many people are choosing partners whom they know and love, but it is estimated that around 5% to 6% of Japanese still go down the arranged marriage route and opt to have their partners chosen for them.

What percent of Japanese marriages end in divorce?

According to the 2010 census, 58.9% of Japans adult population is married, 13.9% of women and 3.1% of men are widowed, and 5.9% of women and 3.8% of men are divorced. The annual number of marriages has dropped since the early 1970s, while divorces have shown a general upward trend.

Can I marry Japanese?

If you wish to marry in Japan, you must do so according to Japanese law. Marriage in Japan consists of registering marriage at a Japanese municipal government office. Only this registration constitutes a legal marriage in Japan. Ceremonies performed by religious or fraternal bodies in Japan, are not legal marriages.