Recently, a Twitter post has sparked intense debate on social media in Japan, quickly reaching trending status. The tweet in question read: “Lunch with friends who are mothers. Out of six, four turned out to be having relations with someone who is not their husband». This comment, which seems to narrate an unexpected discovery during a social gathering, has provoked a wave of reactions ranging from disbelief to resignation, once again highlighting the controversy surrounding infidelity, known in Japan as “netorare.”
The term “netorare” has become popular in Japan, referring specifically to infidelity where one of the spouses is betrayed and, in many cases, becomes a passive victim of the situation. This problem has been a recurring theme in Japanese popular culture, reflected in both literature and anime and manga. However, the recent revelation that four out of six women at a simple social gathering were involved in extramarital affairs has generated a strong impact among social media users.
«The 'marriage' system is over” one user commented, expressing his despair at the institution of marriage in modern society. Another user added sarcastically, “It's just a matter of like attracting like“, suggesting that this type of behavior is not so unusual among certain social groups.
Some more critical comments suggested that the lack of love in these relationships has led to marriage becoming a mere financial transaction, “If there is no love, only bank accounts and insurance remain» The normalization of infidelity was also highlighted in comments such as «Nowadays it is normal to be deceived“, which reflects a growing acceptance or resignation to these practices.
This tendency toward infidelity may be related to the perception that husbands neglect their wives, both emotionally and physically. Japanese society, with its long working hours and strong focus on duty, can leave little room for couples to maintain a healthy emotional relationship. “Netorare” could be a manifestation of the emotional emptiness that many women feel in their marriageswhich leads them to seek attention and affection outside their marital relationship.
However, infidelity is not only seen as a moral issue, but also as a calculated risk.Maybe they see it as an insurance policy, saying it was without consent when necessary to get money.» The controversy over “netorare” and infidelity also fuels a cycle of mistrust and cynicism that affects both men and women. «It infuriates me when these people say that 'men are unfaithful by nature'“, wrote one user, pointing out the perceived hypocrisy in society.
The publication has not only exposed an uncomfortable reality, but has opened a dialogue about the current state of marriage in Japan, the morality of relationships, and the deep divisions that exist around these issuesAs the debate continues, it becomes clear that “netorare” is not just another term in Japanese culture, but a reflection of deeper problems within the country’s social and emotional structure.
Fountain: Otakomu
