New Web App Promotes Awareness of Wife's Surname Option in Marriage

Encouraging Awareness of Wife's Surname Option in Marriage

In a move to promote awareness regarding the option for wives to adopt their surname upon marriage, the Tokyo-based non-profit organization, Marriage Counseling NPO, has unveiled a new web application called "Which Surname to Pick?" This application, designed in a roulette format, aims to educate couples about the possibility of utilizing the wife’s surname, which is often overshadowed by traditional practices.

According to data from the Cabinet Office, a staggering 94.1% of couples in Japan choose the husband’s surname upon marriage. This statistic reflects a deeply ingrained societal norm, with many women questioning the feasibility of maintaining their surname during the marriage. The Marriage Counseling NPO recognizes that while the option exists, it remains largely unrecognized, particularly among men who are potential marriage partners.

Through this new application, the NPO seeks to challenge the norm by showcasing that an increased number of men are open to the wife's surname, thus alleviating some concerns raised by proponents of maintaining traditional names. By engaging couples in an interactive format, the organization hopes to foster discussions that may lead to a shift in these deeply entrenched naming conventions.

The development of the application is part of a broader set of efforts aimed at raising awareness of the selective couple surname system, which has recently seen heated debates among supporters and opponents. While this discussion remains polarized, the NPO is dedicated to promoting a balanced perspective. They believe that the perceived complications associated with the wife's name can be mitigated by the presence of men who are indifferent to the surname issue.

Over its years of operation, the Marriage Counseling NPO has statistically interacted with many individuals seeking marriage advice and has encountered a significant proportion of men who express no strong preference regarding surnames. This subset of men can play a crucial role in encouraging a more inclusive approach to naming within marriages.

The application is user-friendly: couples simply input their names and spin a digital roulette. The aim is to encourage easy and open conversation on what surname to adopt and increase publicity regarding the wife's option.

It's important to clarify that adopting the wife's surname does not require any formal adoption procedures, distinguishing it from becoming a "mukoyoshi," which involves legal implications and parental connections. The NPO stresses this point to help clear any misunderstandings related to surname choices in marriage. Many women also express a desire to choose their surname without the complexities of becoming a mukoyoshi; thus, education in this area is paramount.

The Marriage Counseling NPO was established in 2013 to address the rising number of unmarried individuals in Japan amid a declining birthrate. With a focus on inclusive practices, they have supported various demographics, including those with disabilities and non-regular employment, in their quest for meaningful relationships. They have actively engaged in initiatives aimed at community outreach and support, further emphasizing their commitment to addressing marriage-related challenges.

The NPO believes that by promoting the option to select a wife’s surname, they can help prepare for smoother marriage experiences, even before any legal framework changes are instituted. They strongly advocate for a dialogue that respects individual choices and family dynamics while paving the way for progressive changes in Japanese marital customs.

Conclusion

The launch of "Which Surname to Pick?" represents a significant step towards altering perceptions around surname options in Japanese marriages. By encouraging couples to explore this issue interactively, the Marriage Counseling NPO hopes to inspire a cultural shift that recognizes and accepts various surname choices, ultimately leading to happier, more understanding partnerships.

For more information, visit the web application page here or learn more about the Marriage Counseling NPO here.