【What Marriage Brings】

I advocate for same-sex marriage, but I found myself wondering what marriage actually is, so I have summarized it here.
The "benefits" and "advantages" that marriage brings vary greatly depending on an individual's values and circumstances, but generally speaking,
it is easy to understand if you divide them into four aspects:
"Mental," "Economic," "Social/Legal," and "Lifestyle."
Here is an explanation of the specific benefits in each of these aspects.

1. Mental stability and fulfillment
For many people, this is likely the biggest motivation and benefit.

* The presence of an absolute ally (sense of security):
The fact that there is a partner who will unconditionally stand by your side and support you not only during the good times in life but also during the bad times (illness, job failure, aging, etc.) brings an immeasurable sense of mental stability. The feeling of security that you are "not alone" becomes a powerful foundation for living.

* Relief from loneliness:
Having someone to say "Welcome home" and "I'm home" to when you return, and having someone to share the casual events of daily life with, alleviates a fundamental sense of loneliness.

* Fulfillment of the need for love and approval:
By being loved and needed by a specific person, your self-affirmation increases, and you can gain a sense of mental fulfillment.

2. Economic benefits
As a practical aspect, marriage also has a major impact on economic life.

* Efficiency of living costs (economies of scale):
Living together as two people often reduces the per-person burden of rent, utilities, and food costs compared to living alone. This enables more efficient asset formation.

* Risk diversification through double income:
In the case of a dual-income household, not only does the household income increase, but if one person becomes unable to work due to illness or unemployment, the other's income can support the household, serving as an economic risk hedge.

* Tax and social security benefits:
Under the Japanese system, depending on the spouse's income, you may be eligible for a "spousal deduction" or "special spousal deduction," which can lower your taxes. Additionally, a spouse who is supported by a Category 2 insured person (such as a company employee) becomes a Category 3 insured person and is no longer required to pay national pension premiums individually.

3. Social and legal protections
Because marriage is a "legal act" rather than just a verbal promise, legal rights and obligations arise. This is a major difference from de facto marriage (cohabitation).

* Rights as a legal "family":

* Medical consent: In principle, it is the legal family who can sign consent forms for surgery or treatment when a partner is unconscious or in critical condition.

* Inheritance rights: If one partner passes away, the spouse automatically becomes a statutory heir, and the right to inherit property arises. (In de facto marriage, you cannot inherit unless there is a will.)

* Survivor's pension: If requirements are met, you can receive a survivor's pension after your partner passes away.

* Improvement of social credibility:

Although this is fading in modern times, there are still situations where "being married and having a family" is viewed as proof of social credibility and responsibility (such as mortgage screenings or promotions at some companies).

4. Foundation for life and future planning
These are the benefits for daily life and envisioning the future.

* Child-rearing environment:
If you wish to have children, the current situation in Japan is that it is easier for legally married couples to proceed regarding parental rights, family registers, and social support systems (such as nursery school enrollment procedures).

* Sharing future plans:
You can share long-term life plans, such as life in old age or purchasing a home, and work together toward those goals. Large goals that are difficult to achieve alone become easier to achieve as a pair.

* Efficiency through division of roles:
By dividing household chores, work, and childcare between the two of you based on your respective strengths and weaknesses, you can reduce each other's burdens and improve your quality of life.

Summary and Points of Caution

Marriage offers many potential benefits like those mentioned above. In a nutshell, it could be said that it is about "gaining a solid safety net and a team to help you weather the storms of life."
However, there is an important point to note.
These benefits are predicated on the assumption that a good partnership has been built.
If the relationship deteriorates, it will become a major source of stress rather than emotional stability, and divorce can lead to significant economic and legal burdens.
Marriage is not a "magic spell that automatically makes you happy if you do it," and one must not forget the aspect that it is a "continuous project" where mutual effort and compromise are essential to enjoy its benefits.