In recent years, Japan’s first generation of ‘non-marriers’—those who chose not to marry during the 1980s and 1990s in pursuit of personal freedom and career advancement—are beginning to express regret. As they age, many now face loneliness, lack of elder care, and insufficient medical support. Japanese society has long relied on the family as the primary unit of social support, leaving single individuals vulnerable in their later years. According to a survey by Japan’s National Institute of Population and Social Security Research, over 40% of unmarried people aged 60 and above feel anxious about their future, with many admitting, ‘If I could do it again, I might choose to get married.’ This sentiment reflects not only personal life-course reconsiderations but also highlights the societal gap in supporting non-traditional lifestyles. While the government has started promoting community-based care and home support services, more systemic reforms and cultural inclusivity are needed to truly address this ‘regret of staying single.’This trend has sparked broader societal debate: how can a society ensure that everyone—married or not—can age with dignity and security? It’s a challenge not just for Japan, but for all nations grappling with low birth rates and rising singlehood.
近年来，日本第一代‘不婚族’——即在1980至1990年代选择不结婚、追求个人自由与职业发展的群体——开始显现出后悔情绪。随着年龄增长，他们逐渐面临孤独、养老无依、医疗照护缺失等现实问题。日本社会长期强调家庭作为基本支持单位，而单身者在晚年往往缺乏情感与经济上的依靠。根据日本国立社会保障与人口问题研究所的调查，超过40%的60岁以上未婚人士表示对未来生活感到不安，其中不少人坦言‘如果能重来，或许会选择结婚’。这种反思不仅反映了个体生命轨迹的变化，也揭示了日本社会结构对非传统生活方式支持不足的问题。政府虽已开始推动社区互助、居家照护等政策，但要真正缓解‘不婚后悔症’，仍需更系统性的制度安排与文化包容。这一现象也引发广泛社会讨论：在强调个人选择自由的同时，如何构建一个无论婚否都能安心老去的社会？这不仅是日本的课题，也是全球低生育率、高单身率国家共同面临的挑战。
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