Matchmaking Events for People with Same Surname Emerge in Japan

In Japan, where married couples are required to change their surnames to match one another under the country's Civil Code, unique matchmaking events have emerged for individuals sharing the same surname, as per wire material from <source>. The initiatives, orchestrated by advocacy group Asuniwa and matchmaking service provider IBJ, aim to alleviate the issues married couples face due to the surname change requirement.

Since March, Asuniwa and IBJ have jointly organized four events in Tokyo, where participants with common surnames, aged between 20 and 30, have gathered to discuss their experiences. By June, an online event had attracted 14 participants hailing from various parts of the country, all sharing the same surname, Suzuki, as reported by organizers.

Organizers have received positive feedback from attendees, with one participant expressing satisfaction in conversing with others who share their uncommon surname. However, hosting events for those with less common surnames proves challenging. The Japanese government's survey from fiscal 2021 indicated that 31.9% of females and 8.6% of males were unwilling to change their surnames upon marriage or found it troublesome.

Yuka Maruyama, an official at Asuniwa, highlighted the difficulties in altering surnames, citing expenses associated with updating driver's licenses, passports, and the potential loss of personal identity. Despite their efforts, Maruyama noted that even helping a small number of individuals in their quest to marry without concerns over surnames would be a success.

Maruyama expressed hope that by offering these matchmaking events, people would begin to contemplate the significance of a selective dual surname system, which could ultimately render such events obsolete. This development sheds light on the ongoing struggle faced by those who wish to retain their original surnames upon marriage in Japan.