Japan's Divorce Ceremonies

As a guy who has been divorced twice all I can say is that I had this idea a long time ago... As usual, though, it is the story of my life; I didn't act upon my idea.

Now "Divorce Ceremonies," like Wedding Ceremonies are growing in popularity in Japan.

Reuters reported this in June, but I thought it was hype. I guess it's true:

Divorce ceremonies were pioneered about a year ago by a former salesman, Hiroki Terai, who set up a "divorce mansion" in a small undercover space in Tokyo.

Since then about 25 couples have each paid 55,000 yen ($606) to hold a ceremony with all the pomp and grandeur of a wedding that publicly ends their relationship before they officially file for divorce. Terai said he had received more than 900 inquiries.

The latest couple, who called themselves Mr. and Mrs. Fujii, met near Sensoji Temple in Tokyo's traditional Asakusa area on Sunday and rode in separate rickshaws to the "divorce mansion."

"By putting an end to our marriage, we wanted to give ourselves fresh starts and give our lives a sense of renewal," Mr. Fujii, a 33-year-old businessman, told Reuters Television.

But, the proof lies in seeing as seeing is believing. Here is a video of a ceremony:



Actually, this is a good idea. It is also fine for everyone when a couple wants to get a divorce and they want to keep a civil relationship with each other (something a lot of immature people just cannot do).

I mean, when you think about it, what good does a hateful and violent divorce do anyone? This sort of calm and mutually respectful ceremony should go a long way towards having a peaceful separation.