If you
thought your love life was sad, wait until you see the numbers from Japan
because you're going to want to put an "F" in the chat. Romance in
the land of the rising sun is, literally, in danger of extinction. A new survey
has just dropped a nuclear reality bomb: an absurd number of single Japanese
don't have a partner and, worst of all, they're not even looking for one. It
seems that the 3D world is losing the battle against convenience, lack of
money, and of course, digital waifus.
The
"death" of romance and the money factor
The data
from the Meiji Yasuda Research Institute is cold as your ex's
heart. According to its latest study published this February, 76.3% of
singles have no one on their romantic radar. And it's not just bad
luck, it's a conscious decision with very different motives depending on who
you ask. Women say bluntly that they "don't feel the need" to marry,
showing that economic independence has made them more selective (based!). On
the other hand, men admit that the problem is money: dating is expensive and
they prefer to spend their yen on themselves than on inviting dinners that lead
to nothing in this inflationary economy.
But this is
where things get interesting for the otaku band. Instead of looking for love in
the real world, Japanese "Gen Z" is pouring their heart (and wallet)
into Oshi-katsu (Japanese fandom subculture focused on
passionately supporting a favorite idol, character, or figure). More than half
of 18-28 year olds admit that they prefer to spend their money supporting their
favorite vtubers, idols, or anime characters. And if they need love advice or
to vent, they no longer call a friend: one in three prefers to talk to an Artificial
Intelligence. Basically, loneliness is being cured with parasocial
interactions and chatbots that don't make dramas or ask you to do the dishes.
About
the phenomenon of Oshi-katsu
For those
who are not in the mood, Oshi-katsu is not just about being a
fan; it's a lifestyle dedicated to supporting your "Oshi" (your
absolute favorite). Whether it's buying merch, going to events, or
donating on streams, this activity offers safe emotional
satisfaction without the risk of rejection. In a Japan where human
relationships are increasingly felt like a work burden, the love of 2D or
virtual is becoming the perfect refuge.
