Question from a reader:
I researched about “mask couples” and learned that there are reasons beyond just a lack of affection that prevent them from divorcing. What specific “circumstances” might be considered? I would appreciate your insights.

The Reality of Mask Couples and the Circumstances Behind Them

Many people may have heard the term “mask couple.” They appear to have a good
relationship on the surface, but in reality, there is a lack of affection, and the home environment is cold. It is not uncommon for such couples to exist. However, various reasons may be hidden behind their situation. Today, I would like to explore mask couples from a legal perspective.

What Are the “Circumstances” Mask Couples Face?

First, let’s consider what “circumstances” specifically refers to from several viewpoints. Based on my own experiences in the entertainment industry, I have seen various family situations, and the following reasons are particularly common.

Economic Reasons

The first reason is economic factors. When finances are tight, couples may hesitate to divorce for fear that their lives will become even more difficult. For example, if children are involved, the burden of child support and living expenses can prevent couples from choosing divorce. In fact, a friend of mine faced this situation. He had grown distant from his wife and was in a mask couple state, but he couldn’t decide to divorce due to economic reasons. He was particularly concerned about the costs of his children’s education and was afraid of losing their current home. This is something that many people can relate to.

Social Pressure

Next, social pressure is also a significant factor. Especially in Japan, there is a strong ideal of what a couple should be. Many couples hesitate to divorce due to concerns about how others will perceive them. It is not uncommon for people to feel that “divorce is embarrassing.” I know a couple who, despite being a mask couple, continued to meet the expectations of those around them. They played the role of a loving couple due to the opinions of others that “it is better not to divorce.” However, in reality, their feelings for each other were misaligned, and their home felt like a quiet war. They were bound by the anxiety of “what would happen if they showed their true selves.”

The Presence of Children

Many couples hesitate to divorce because of their children. It may be natural for parents to think, “Let’s somehow keep this relationship for the sake of the children.” However, it is essential to seriously consider what impact this may have on the children. Let’s delve deeper into my friend’s story. He chose to maintain the marital relationship for the sake of the children, but in reality, the children were sensitive to the tension. Whenever they returned home, there was always a hostile atmosphere. Seeing the children worry, asking, “Are Mom and Dad okay?” he thought, “This can’t go on,” yet he felt unable to take action.

The Legal Perspective on Mask Couples

So, how are mask couples treated legally? Under Japanese law, divorce generally requires the consent of both parties. In the case of mask couples, it is difficult for one party to unilaterally file for divorce simply because there is no affection.

Types of Divorce

In Japan, there are two types of divorce: “mutual consent divorce” and “judicial divorce.” Mutual consent divorce is conducted with the agreement of both spouses and is the most common method. On the other hand, judicial divorce involves seeking divorce through litigation, which can be very time-consuming and labor-intensive. If a mask couple wishes to divorce, they must first discuss it with each other, but when there is no affection, communication can often be challenging. Overcoming such situations can be effectively supported by professionals. Seeking counseling or consulting a lawyer can also be one of the options.

Child Custody and Its Impact

When children are involved, the issue of custody is also very important. If a divorce is decided, determining who will raise the children or whether they will co-parent becomes a significant topic. If a mask couple maintains their relationship for the sake of the children, it is also necessary to consider how this may impact the children. In a case involving someone I know, a dispute over custody arose during the divorce. While they were a mask couple, their mutual trust had eroded, and they were unable to discuss things calmly. It was only through legal proceedings that they were able to communicate their opinions to each other. This is also a risk.

Conclusion

There are various circumstances hidden behind mask couples. Economic reasons, social pressure, and the presence of children are just a few of the factors that can cause hesitation in pursuing divorce. Understanding these circumstances may be the first step toward a resolution. If you are struggling with the situation of being a mask couple, please consider consulting someone you trust. By not keeping everything to yourself and incorporating the opinions of professionals, new paths may open up. Life is only lived once, so it is important to cherish your own happiness.