Marriage in Japan: A Family Legacy Beyond Death

The Japanese phrase 死が二人を分かつまで (Shi ga futari o wakatsu made), meaning 'Till death do us part,' carries a unique interpretation in Japan.

Unlike many cultures where marriage solely binds two individuals, in Japan, it signifies integration into a family system (家制度, ie seido) that persists even after a spouse's death. This traditional system, operational from 1898 until its abolition in 1947, emphasized the continuity of family lineage.

Here, marriage was not merely a union of a husband and wife but a commitment to uphold familial responsibilities, particularly for the eldest son, who was expected to inherit the family name and provide for his parents.

Source: www.japantimes.co.jp