Japan's 'parasite singles'

Looking for Mr Perfect

By the BBC's Charles Scanlon

It is hardly the politest of expressions - but Yukiko Matsumoto and her friends are known in Japan as "parasite singles".

I don't really want to sacrifice my comfort, so I'd have to marry someone who earns twice as much as I do

Yukiko Matsumoto

They all work for a living - but like millions of others they continue to live with their parents into their late 20s and 30s.

It is part of trend towards ever later marriage and it is a major factor behind Japan's falling birth rate.

Yukiko's family home in a Tokyo suburb provides her with a comfortable base. She could barely afford a small room in the city on her salary.

'Man of means'

She says it will take a man of means to tempt her away from the attractions of home.

"Some of my married friends have moved to much smaller houses. I don't really want to sacrifice my comfort, so I'd have to marry someone who earns twice as much as I do," she said.

"At the moment I can spend my money on anything I like."

Far from pressuring her to leave, her mother is sympathetic.

"Today's generation is different. We had to marry by a certain time with a certain person from a certain social group. I don't see why women today should hurry," she says.

Mini baby boom

The news that Crown Princess Masako is finally pregnant may help add a touch of glamour to motherhood. Some even expect a slight boost in the birth rate in sympathy.

Royal birth due

Companies producing baby products have already seen a rise in their share price. Shops selling baby products are expecting a mini baby boom, planning promotions to coincide with the royal birth.

But the longer term business prospects are not so good.

Young Japanese women who do have families complain about a lack of childcare facilities. Most are forced to give up work and take on the role of traditional housewife.

Loss of spending power

Professor Masahiro Yamada - who coined the phrase parasite single - says their numbers are set to grow.

"They suffer a dramatic fall in their standard of living if they get married. On average they lose two thirds of their spending money. And they also have to do housework. The gap between the two lifestyles is growing."

Single women remain in the workforce for much longer than their married counterparts. Surveys show they are the most contented demographic group in Japan.

It is not going to get any easier for Japanese men to persuade them to give it all up.