I would like to know why people want to have a system of optional separate surnames for married couples

To begin with, optional separate surnames means that a couple who get married can keep their original names without changing each other’s surnames if they wish to do so. Here are some examples of reasons why couples may wish to keep their separate surnames.

Reason #1: The process of changing the name is laborious.

It is very difficult to change all the names on your driver’s license, insurance card, resident card, credit cards, bank accounts, registered membership information, etc. It is time-consuming and can be even a financial burden…. Some people want to have a separate family name due to reluctance for one or the other to bear a large burden.

Reason #2: Simply just don’t want to change the name.

Many people’s last name is an important part of their identity. If both couples have a strong emotional attachment to their last name, it can be a huge emotional burden.

Reason #3: Need to tie in with achievements during the maiden name period.

Changing one’s last name can hinder one’s career. Especially in the case of researchers and freelancers, there are cases where it is difficult to tie the achievement before the marriage…. This can also be a barrier to obtaining a visa.

Some people want to “choose a married couple’s surname” for various other reasons, but in Japan today, one of you must always change your surname after marriage.

Selective married couple surname is a system for “those who want to choose can choose”. Therefore, couples who wish to use the same surname can continue to choose the same surname as before. We hope that the increased number of choices will make it easier for people to choose the way of life that is most comfortable for them.