Originally written by: KANAKO TAKAHARA
Link to the article: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14a6D1BKvJZ/?mibextid=wwXIfr
A growing number of women in Japan are speaking out against a disturbing pattern in modern relationships: men concealing their marital status to pursue romantic and sexual relationships. Known in Japan as “dokushin gisō” (feigning singlehood), the issue is now sparking legal battles and calls for criminal penalties.
One such case involves Mayu Yamamoto, a woman in her 30s living in Tokyo, whose experience highlights the emotional and psychological toll of such deception.
Yamamoto met a man, also in his 30s, in 2022 through mutual friends at a group dinner. Shortly after, he expressed interest in seeing her again privately. However, concerns arose when she heard rumors that he might already be married.
When confronted, the man dismissed the claims, telling her he had been married in the past but was now divorced and single.
Trusting his words, Yamamoto entered into a serious relationship with him one that, over the course of two years, seemed to be moving toward marriage.
According to a lawsuit she later filed, the couple:
● Underwent infertility treatment together
● Met each other’s families multiple times
● Selected and purchased an engagement ring
From Yamamoto’s perspective, the relationship was genuine and long-term.
The reality, however, was far from what she had been led to believe.
The man was allegedly still married during their entire relationship.
This revelation not only shattered Yamamoto’s trust but also raised serious questions about accountability and legal protection for victims of such deception.
Cases like Yamamoto’s are no longer isolated. Across Japan, more women are coming forward with similar stories of relationships built on false promises, emotional manipulation, and concealed marriages.
The term dokushin gisō has gained attention in recent years, reflecting a broader societal issue where individuals deliberately misrepresent their marital status to initiate or maintain relationships.
Currently, Japan’s legal framework offers limited recourse in such situations. While victims can pursue civil lawsuits for damages, there is no clear criminal penalty specifically addressing deception about marital status in romantic relationships.
This legal gap has led to increasing frustration among victims and advocacy groups, who argue that such acts should be treated as a form of fraud or emotional exploitation.
As more cases surface, there is a growing push for legal reform.
Victims and their supporters are demanding:
● Recognition of “feigned singlehood” as a punishable offense
● Stronger protections for individuals entering relationships
● Greater accountability for those who intentionally deceive partners
For many, the issue goes beyond personal betrayal it is about justice, dignity, and preventing others from experiencing similar harm.
Yamamoto’s story is a stark reminder of how trust can be manipulated in deeply personal relationships. As awareness grows, so does the urgency for legal systems to catch up with evolving social realities.
The question now remains: should deception in love carry criminal consequences?
