70% of women regret marrying their husbands in this country, reveals a survey

Women Regret Marrying their Husbands

• 70% of surveyed Japanese married women regret marrying their husband
• Financial issues and unequal housework are top reasons for regret
• Survey sample may be biased toward those already unhappy in marriage

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We’ve all heard the stories—Japan, a land of cutting-edge technology and timeless traditions, is reportedly falling out of love with love itself. Young people are dating less, marrying later, or not marrying at all. But a recent survey has added a shocking, human layer to this trend, one that might make you pause and think about the realities of marriage, not just in Japan, but everywhere.

The survey, conducted in January 2026 by a Japanese matchmaking company named Presia, asked 287 married women, aged between 20 and 59, a simple but loaded question: Do you regret marrying your husband?

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The answer was a staggering 70% said yes.

That’s not just a number; it’s a chorus of quiet sighs and unspoken disappointments from 7 out of 10 women. The regret runs so deep that 54% of the women said if they could turn back time and be reborn, they would not choose to marry their current husband again.

What Went Wrong? The Real Reasons Behind the Regret

So, what’s causing this wave of remorse? The reasons are practical, everyday, and sadly, very relatable. Forget dramatic stories or affairs—the top regrets are about shared life and security:

Money Matters Most (37.2% combined): The biggest pain points were financial. 22.6% of women regretted compromising on the income they expected their husband to earn. Another 14.6% regretted not being stricter about his financial habits and money management. In today’s uncertain world, economic stability isn't a luxury; it's a foundation for peace.

The Unequal Home (11.1%): Coming in third was a familiar struggle—husbands not helping enough with housework, or doing it poorly. It’s not about chores; it’s about respect, partnership, and sharing the invisible, unpaid labour that keeps a home running.

Interestingly, what didn’t bother them as much? His looks. A significant 36.6% said they had no regrets about compromising on their husband’s physical appearance. The message is clear: for these women, a reliable partner trumps a merely handsome one.

A Story, But Is It the Whole Story?

Before we take this as the final word on Japanese marriages, an important detail matters. The survey was done by Presia, a matchmaking service. The 287 women who participated were likely visitors to their website or social media—spaces often frequented by those already unhappy and perhaps looking for a change or advice. This doesn’t mean the data is false, but it might be amplified.

The survey suggests that in Japan, romance isn’t necessarily dead, but it’s being choked by practical worries. An unhappy marriage feels doubly bitter without financial comfort or a fair share of responsibility. It’s not that love for money replaces love for the person; it’s that without partnership and security, love can struggle to survive.