Reasons for consanguineous marriages in Japan

Summary A survey of consanguineous marriages in Japan was conducted in September 1983 using questionnaires. The number of couples studied was 9225, chosen from six widely different areas of Japan. Recommendation by parents or relatives was the most frequent reason for consanguineous marriage, for both husbands and wives, followed by knowledge of the partner by relatives. The rate of consanguineous marriage on the recommendation of parents or relatives was higher in endogamy, arranged marriages, childhood friends, and groups in which there is external pressure for marriage. It was lower in love match marriages, school, workplace and social gatherings that give opportunities for meeting, and where there was personal marital motivation.