In Japan, Tough Times Send Women to the Altar

In Japan, when the economy tanks, marriage—and two paychecks—starts to look more attractive to working women, reports Bloomberg. “I want to get married soon, hopefully by the end of this year,” says one Tokyo woman. “I’d be more stable financially if I had double income to fall back on.” With women still making 43% less than men, marriage can be vital to stability.

Historically, recession has caused spikes in marriage, and the booming matchmaking business suggests this time won’t be an exception. One 25-year-old has dropped almost $3,800 on matchmaking services. “It sounds like a lot of money,” she says, “but if you consider that it’s a way to find a husband, it’s a reasonable investment.” (More Japan stories.)