Marriage & Divorce in Japan – Tips & Tricks August 2011

Marriage

If you’re thinking about getting married in Japan, then here’s what you need to know.

Paperwork
Before you can get married in Japan as a foreigner then you need a sworn affadavit of competency to marry. This is normally obtained from your country’s embassy or consulate. If you’re in the military then you need to go through military channels to obtain the certificate.

What’s Legal?
You may think, like back home, you go have the fancy ceremony, then that’s it you’re married. Nope.
The ceremony in Japan, whether you chose a Western or Japanese style occasion means nothing legally.
Until you submit a “Notification of Marriage” at city hall you’re not legally married. So in theory, you could get married in just a few minutes at the city office. Not very romantic though!

Age
The legal age to get married in Japan is 18 years old for men and 16 years old for women, though if you’re under 20 years old you need parental permission. After divorce though, a woman must wait 6 months to re-marry in case she may be pregnant. Though if she happens to be divorcing and re-marrying the same man, then that can be done in the same day! It probably wouldn’t make the city office too happy though!

Japanese & Foreign Marriage
One of the big criticisms about mixed marriage in Japan is that foreigners are not fully recognised on the family register. As it’s such an important document and literally contains the identity of a family it’s come in for increasing attack in recent years for not being reformed. Whether foreign or Japanese, most parents chose to get married due to the father of a child born outside marriage not being legallly recognised.

Am I Legally Married?
Most countries including the US, recognise that a foreign legal and valid marriage, which includes Japan of course, is also valid in the US.

Divorce

In recent years terms like “Narita Divorce” and “Kansai Divorce” have become common with couples going off on honeymoon then divorcing as soon as they get back! Much like marriage, if both parties agree, then divorce can be accomplished quickly by simply filing the paperwork.
However, if one party doesn’t agree then it’s off to adjudication then if that fails, district court. The problem is that even at district court there still has to be an overwhelming reason for divorce to be approved against one person’s wishes.

Vacation In Okinawa

Make the most of Okinawa. Have your very own ‘staycation’ right here in Okinawa.
Too busy or too expensive to get away? Save the money on a flight and enjoy a vacation right here in Okinawa. Okinawa’s got world class resorts, great cars to rent and plenty of restaurants and places to visit. Turn off the phone and disappear to your very own resort paradise right here in Okinawa. We’ve got some great ideas & places on how to staycation in Okinawa!

1. Book A Great Rental Car
Tired of the same old car or want to get the roof down? Why not book a luxury car for a few days? What about a Hummer, Porsche or BMW Z4, you can rent all these great cars right here in Okinawa. There’s plenty of selection and shops close to the airport. “Direx” http://direx-rent.com/okinawa provide amazing rental cars as well as a limousine service.

2. Resort Luxury
Okinawa has too many luxury resorts to mention but there’s something for every budget. Rather than flying off to a resort, save the airfare and in a short drive you’ll be relaxing by the pool.
In the South of the island there’s the Southern Beach Hotel Resort close to Itoman. A new resort hotel with everything  you could want including five interlinked pools. Perfect for sipping cocktails under an umbrella. http://tiny.cc/okisouthern

In the center of the island check out Seaside Hotel The Beach. Perfect for escaping right in the center of Chatan, close to the seawall. The new building has luxurious rooms and there’s a hot tub on the roof with amazing views at affordable prices. http://tiny.cc/seasidebeach

Finally, our top luxury pick is the Busena Terrace near Nago. If you really want to spoil yourself then you’re sure to find it here. Includes amazing rooms, private beach, underwater observatory and several great restaurants. http://tiny.cc/busena

3. Beach & Sightseeing
After you’ve tired of sitting on your private beach at your hotel get away from the more developed center of the island and check out more isolated natural areas of Okinawa. Hamahiga Island is great for some peace and quiet and is also close to Ikei and Miyagi islands. http://tiny.cc/hamahiga
Alternatively why not visit the Motobu area of Okinawa. You can be a tourist at the Churaumi Aquarium and Ocean Expo Park then either drive over the bridge to Sesoko Island or take the 15 minute ferry to Minna-jima island.

4. Eat
No vacation is complete without enjoying food you wouldn’t normally eat at home.
A great way to treat yourself is to check out the lunchtime buffets at most of the resort hotels. Hotels such as the Busena, Marriott and Alivila amongst others offer a taste of luxury at affordable prices at lunch and you don’t need to be a guest!