The Aporia
Ryall, J. (2026, October 25). Why more Japanese women are choosing ‘silver divorce’ after decades of marriage. South China Morning Post. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3371898/why-more-japanese-women-are-choosing-silver-divorce-after-decades-marriage
Ryall, Julian. “Why more Japanese women are choosing ‘silver divorce’ after decades of marriage.” South China Morning Post, 25 Oct. 2026, https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3371898/why-more-japanese-women-are-choosing-silver-divorce-after-decades-marriage.
Ryall, Julian. “Why more Japanese women are choosing ‘silver divorce’ after decades of marriage.” South China Morning Post, October 25, 2026. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3371898/why-more-japanese-women-are-choosing-silver-divorce-after-decades-marriage.
Dated from the outlet's own feed. Check the original for its byline.
Ayumi, a 62-year-old resident of Kawasaki, has chosen to divorce her husband after more than two decades of marriage as she enters retirement age. Ayumi lives alone in a house originally intended for raising her family, now shared only with her two cats. The decision came after their daughters left home and the couple stopped communicating effectively due to her husband's long working hours and her responsibilities at home. With changes in pension rules and children grown up, more older Japanese women are opting for what is termed a "silver divorce." Ayumi did not envision this outcome but feels it was inevitable given the dynamics of their marriage over time.