Approximately Half of 20s-30s Considering/Postponing Marriage Cite 'Stable Household Income Prospects' as Key Deciding Factor! Photo Studio Watanabe Conducts 'Survey on Marriage Decision Factors Among Young Adults'!

Watanabe Photo Studio Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Nara City, Nara Prefecture; Representative Director: Hiroaki Suzuki), which operates photo shooting and furisode kimono rental services, 'Photo Studio Watanabe,' primarily in Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto prefectures, conducted a 'Survey on Marriage Decision Factors Among Young Adults' targeting men and women in their 20s and 30s who are considering or postponing marriage. This survey revealed elements of marriage decision-making among young adults and their values regarding traditional weddings. Amid the declining birthrate and rising unmarried rates becoming national issues that require addressing, there is significant interest in the reasons why young adults hesitate to marry. Especially in modern times, characterized by rising prices and the assumption of dual-income households, economic anxiety about future household income and the perceived burden of traditional formal weddings are bringing about changes in young adults' views on marriage. Understanding the factors that cause those who wish to marry but are postponing their decision to hesitate, and the conditions that would enable them to take the next step, is crucial for comprehending diversified modern lifestyles. However, data illustrating the real anxieties faced by individuals and the conditions that would encourage them to decide on marriage is lacking. Therefore, Photo Studio Watanabe (Watanabe Photo Studio) conducted a 'Survey on Marriage Decision Factors Among Young Adults' targeting men and women in their 20s and 30s who are considering or postponing marriage. - The main reasons for currently considering or postponing marriage are 'uncertain future prospects for household income' and 'plans for job change or independence, seeking the right timing.' - The biggest anxiety when considering marriage is 'economic power.' - Approximately half of men and women in their 20s and 30s who are considering or postponing marriage responded that the condition encouraging them to decide on marriage is 'stable prospects for household income.' - Approximately 70% of men and women in their 20s and 30s who are considering or postponing marriage feel some burden regarding traditional formal weddings. - The top 3 burdens felt regarding traditional formal weddings are: 1st 'large expenses,' 2nd 'time and effort required for preparations,' and 3rd 'consideration for participants.' - Approximately 45% of men and women in their 20s and 30s who are considering or postponing marriage and feel some burden regarding traditional formal weddings expressed interest in 'photo weddings' as a form of marriage that is not bound by traditional formats. Survey period: April 2, 2026 – April 4, 2026 Survey method: Internet survey Target audience: Men and women in their 20s and 30s who are considering or postponing marriage Number of respondents: 331 people Monitor provider: RC Research Data *Note: Due to rounding off the response rates to the second decimal place, the total response rate may not always be 100.0%. The main reasons for currently considering or postponing marriage are 'uncertain future prospects for household income' and 'plans for job change or independence, seeking the right timing.' First, in response to the question, 'What are your reasons for currently postponing the timing of marriage?', the results were: 1st 'uncertain future prospects for household income' at 20.2%, 2nd 'plans for job change or independence, seeking the right timing' at 19.6%, and 3rd 'anxiety about differences in values with my partner' at 11.8%. From these results, it became clear that the main reasons for currently considering or postponing marriage are 'uncertain future prospects for household income' and 'plans for job change or independence, seeking the right timing.' The biggest anxiety when considering marriage is 'economic power.' Next, in response to the question, 'What is your biggest anxiety when considering marriage?', the results were: 1st 'economic power' at 30.2%, 2nd 'differences in values and lifestyle with my partner' at 17.5%, and 3rd 'relationship with partner's family and relatives' at 16.0%. From these results, it became clear that the biggest anxiety when considering marriage is 'economic power.' Approximately half of men and women in their 20s and 30s who are considering or postponing marriage responded that the condition encouraging them to decide on marriage is 'stable prospects for household income.' Finally, in response to the question, 'What conditions would encourage you to decide on marriage?', the results were: 1st 'stable prospects for household income' at 49.6%, 2nd 'confirming agreement on values with my partner' at 47.4%, and 3rd (tied) 'being able to choose a wedding style that fits our budget and pace' and 'having specific discussions about the division of housework, childcare, and work' at 28.7%. From these results, it became clear that approximately half of men and women in their 20s and 30s who are considering or postponing marriage believe that 'stable prospects for household income' is a condition for them to decide on marriage.