A Meiji-era law requires Japanese couples to choose a single last name. As legislators in Japan debate repealing it, a new poll shows that a majority of women wish they had had the choice to keep their maiden names when getting married.

https://unseen-japan.com/poll-separate-spousal-surnames-women-support/

Politicians in Japan are still debating whether to change an over 100-year-old law that requires Japanese spouses to have the same last name. As the debate rages, a new survey shows over half of married women wish they'd had the choice to keep their maiden names.

https://unseen-japan.com/poll-separate-spousal-surnames-women-support/

Continuing my research into Diana Coupland’s career and the entertainment scene of the 1950s - 1970s.

May 1956, Diana Coupland and Monty Norman marry.

Japan's yearly birth rate continues to plummet and may dip below 700,000 next year. Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru says the problem is that people just don't have the chance to meet like they used to - calling out in particular the drop in omiai, or traditional matchmaking services.

https://unseen-japan.com/birth-rate-japan-pm-opinion/

17 years married today, and I feel lucky that I still get to look at my big long-haired, handsome viking fella and get butterflies in my stomach every day.

I didn't post one of the photos from our walk today. I wanted to think about what to say.
This is my husband.
My partner, for over thirty years, through thick and thin, darkness and light, and he is as steady a life companion as Summer and I could wish for.
Maybe, not so steady on his feet, but steady in his grasp of goodness, truth and honor.
He is generous and kind and is a dedicated dog dad to his bestest friend Summer.
He keeps us laughing in his attempts to lighten the moment.
Yesterday, I heard our contractor ask him how he was holding up.
He answered that he woke up this morning so it must be a good day. Summer and I agree that everyday he wakes up is a good day.
#Love #Marriage

Let's spread some love - Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy dancing hearts handmade acrylic painting - see more here: https://karen-kaspar.pixels.com/featured/happy-dancing-hearts-orange-karen-kaspar.html

#AfricanArt #marriage #acrylicpaintingart or #artprint
Painting of the Day. Couple II
> > https://www.artcameroon.com/the-couple-2/
The couple in this striking acrylic painting is surrounded by a swirling mass of colors and shapes, which gives the painting a sense of movement and energy.
65 x 80 centimeters
26 x 31 inches
$1000 original / Satisfaction guaranteed
$160 art print / Made to order in USA
Buy art from artists / Sales benefit only the #StarvingArtist in #Cameroon

In reaction to last year's Supreme Court ruling, Japan has recognized 24 laws that pertain to same-sex couples, including domestic violence & property lease/rental laws. It's still considering another 130 laws, including the country's pension & health care laws.

https://unseen-japan.com/japan-same-sex-couples-24-rights/

#AfricanArt #marriage #wedding #acrylicpainting or #artprint
Painting of the Day. Couple
> > https://www.artcameroon.com/couple-1-african-marriage-portrait/
It's a lovely couple standing close together, holding hands, and looking into one another's eyes. The painting is full of rich acrylic colors and textures.
40 x 80 centimeters
16 x 31 inches
$700 original / $130 giclée art print / Free delivery
Art from the Heart of Africa #Cameroon

With Valentines Day just around the corner I have added a new painting to my collection of heart paintings

Heart of Gold square - handmade acrylic painting

--> https://karen-kaspar.pixels.com/featured/heart-of-gold-square-karen-kaspar.html.