Japan’s population is on the decline, and while experts pore over graphs and statistics, a quirky cultural phenomenon has emerged that might just explain everything in one hilarious go. Meet the latest couple taking the internet by storm.
A Japanese girl and Yoichi Isagi from the anime “Blue Lock“. Yes, you read that right – she’s married to a fictional soccer player, not Real Marriage but just a paid ceremony and part of Oshikatsu culture, Oshikatsu is a Japanese term that describes the act of supporting a favorite person or thing through activities and merchandise.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
A Japanese girl announces her marriage with Isagi from Blue Lock.
— AnimeXnews (@animexnewscom) December 31, 2024
this is not a real marriage, just a paid ceremony and part of Oshikatsu culture.
Oshikatsu is a Japanese term that describes the act of supporting a favorite person or thing through activities and merchandise. pic.twitter.com/5tFLiybDm5
Japan’s population has been spiraling downward like a well-kicked soccer ball (or should we say, like Isagi’s signature move?).
After post went viral she was getting a lot of hate from english audience, since then she has made an apology on X (Formally Twitter),
sorry😣💧 https://t.co/iEaCAKPITV pic.twitter.com/L8l4xzZZpU
— あてゅ (@41notoriko) December 30, 2024
Her Statement,
Thank you very much for watching the wedding video with Kiyoyoichi. I am very happy to receive warm words and congratulations from everyone. I am truly grateful for the kindness of so many people.I received many comments, and although I was not able to reply to all of them. I read almost all of them. Once again, thank you.
However, I think that many people were uncomfortable with my post. I am truly sorry. I would also like to explain the misunderstanding that has arisen.
First of all, this wedding was personally requested by me to hold a wedding venue, and it is an [unofficial wedding]. I am sorry for any misunderstanding on this point.
I also received many opinions about marriage with a minor. He is 17 years old and I am 19 years old, and the marriageable age in Japan is 18 years old for both men and women. I am an adult, but he is a minor, so we only held the wedding ceremony. Therefore, we have not submitted a marriage registration at this time!
The birth rate has hit rock bottom, with fewer babies being born each year. But why? Let’s delve into this with a humorous twist:
Economic Goals vs. Diaper Bills: In Japan, the cost of living is as high as the skyscrapers in Tokyo. When you’re deciding between buying a new PlayStation or starting a family, the choice seems clear – especially if you can marry your favorite video game character instead.
Work Smarter, Not Harder… or Marry Anime: The Japanese work culture is infamous for its long hours, making the idea of raising kids about as appealing as running a marathon after pulling an all-nighter. But, hey, if you can marry someone who doesn’t need dinner or ask for overtime, why not?
No Drama, Just Manga: Real relationships can be messy. Anime characters, however, come with their storylines neatly wrapped up in 24 episodes. With Isagi, there’s no need to deal with real-life quarrels; unless you count his rivalry with other characters as drama.
The Isagi Marriage – A Hilarious Case Study
Our heroine, let’s call her “Sakura” for this piece, decided that real-world dating was too much of a hassle. Instead, she opted for the ultimate fan commitment: marrying Isagi from “Blue Lock.” Here’s how this might be contributing to the population drop:
Zero Population Growth: Marrying a fictional character means zero chance of contributing to the population count. Sakura’s ‘marriage’ to Isagi is the epitome of a non-procreative union – unless they start handing out marriage certificates at anime conventions.
Role Models for Singles: When young people see someone go viral for marrying a 2D soccer star, it might make them think twice about settling for a 3D human with all their flaws. If you can have a perfect partner who never argues or forgets your birthday, why bother with the real deal?
Cultural Commentary: This event has sparked a nationwide conversation. Some might see it as a funny anecdote, but others might ponder if this isn’t a subtle critique of the pressures of modern life in Japan, where escaping into fantasy sometimes seems the better option., one user commented on X (Formally Twitter),
“That is why Japan population is descreasing drastically”
While Sakura’s marriage to Isagi isn’t the sole reason for Japan’s population decline, it’s a humorous reflection of broader societal trends. Maybe it’s time for Japan to consider offering tax breaks for dating real people or perhaps just accept that in the future, “Blue Lock” might not just be a popular anime but a legitimate dating pool.
Remember, while we laugh at this story, the underlying issues like economic pressures, work-life balance, and changing social norms are serious. But hey, if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, right? Might as well learn to play soccer or at least, watch “Blue Lock” to understand what all the fuss is about.
This article is meant for entertainment and not to be taken as factual analysis on Japan's demographic situation. But let's admit, it's a bit funny to think about and remember fictional character has a real-life girl unlike you.
