In Japan, the norms of human connection and physical intimacy are evolving, with arranged marriages on the wane, and defacto relationships and same-sex unions no longer rare. As the nature of unions changes, so is the practice of parting, with increases in late-life and women-initiated divorces. What’s driving these societal changes in Japan? How are Japan’s legislators responding? Gender studies specialist Assoc Prof Claire Maree and cultural anthropologist Associate Professor Allison Alexy join presenter Ali Moore to discuss the transformation of the Japanese family unit.

An Asia Institute podcast. Produced and edited by profactual.com. Music by audionautix.com. Transcript here.

Main image L->R: Associate Professors Allison Alexy and Claire Maree. Listing image: Young people in Tokyo. Credit: Konrad Karlsson/Flickr.