Divorce Ceremonies: Divorce Lawyers Watch New Trends

Japan has long been behind the curve when it comes to large numbers of divorces, but lately they have been busy catching up to the rest of the Western world.  This has led to an extremely interesting phenomenon: divorce ceremonies.

The ceremony takes place at a mansion in Tokyo, which a former salesman bought with the specific intention of performing divorce ceremonies.  The ceremony itself provides a public end to a marriage.  Family and friends are invited to attend and witness the former couple renounce their relationship and smash their wedding rings with a gavel.

In an article from Reuters, which reports on the creation and rise of divorce ceremonies, a couple who had just participated in the ceremony was interviewed, expressing relief that their relationship ended with such finality.   Those who witnessed their marriage were also present to witness their divorce.

Is this something you would be interested in after a divorce is finalized?  Do you think you would appreciate the public renouncement of your marriage? Would you experience cathartic relief when you smashed your ring?  Should the end of marriage be a private event?  Let me know what you think.  I’ll keep an eye out to see if this trend ever reaches America.