In Japan, where traditional marriage rates are declining, a new relationship trend called “friendship marriage” is gaining traction. This alternative marital arrangement is based on shared interests and values, rather than love or romance. Couples in friendship marriages cohabitate, often entering into legal unions, but do not engage in romantic or sexual relationships. They may have relationships with others based on mutual agreement and may choose to have children through artificial insemination. The trend is particularly prevalent among asexual individuals and homosexuals, who face societal and legal barriers to marriage in Japan.