by Chris Bodenner
Divorce ceremonies in Japan – like the one in the above video shot last year – have tripled under the social and economic strain of the March earthquake:
These unusual celebrations publicly mark a relationship's termination before the couple officially files for divorce. Like weddings, divorce ceremonies include a special dress, buffet, and rings. But instead of exchanging the symbolic bands, the couples smash them with a gavel. While these "bizarre" divorce celebrations may set some couples back $600, ex-grooms and ex-brides have said it's more satisfying than just signing a paper.
Harumi Ozawa attends a Tokyo divorce ceremony officiated by Hiroki Terai, "a self-styled 'divorce planner'":
Terai, who is now expanding the service to South Korea where the divorce rate is the highest in Asia, said Keiko's reaction was fairly common for couples at his ceremonies. "But usually after smashing a ring, they seem to feel relieved, and you see their faces brighten up. Guests then truly celebrate their happy separation." Terai also said more husbands than wives are inclined to turn the end of marriage into a social event by throwing a divorce ceremony. "When a relationship ends, women seem to be able to move on much more easily, but men find it harder to let go," he said. "I think that they need an opportunity to draw a line in the sand."
Sounds far more preferable than one of the American alternatives:
The Dish 