Divorcing Every 3 Years to Keep Their Names

What a Japanese Couple’s Unusual Marriage Arrangement Reveals About Identity and Being Known by God

In Japan, married couples are legally required to share a single surname. One couple became so unwilling to surrender their individual family names that they reportedly chose an unusual solution: every three years they divorce and remarry so they can alternate surnames and preserve both identities. Their story sparked global discussion about marriage, identity, tradition, and the human desire to remain connected to one’s own name and history.

Names carry extraordinary weight across cultures. In ancient societies, a name was more than a label, it represented heritage, reputation, memory, and destiny. Entire family histories could be tied to a single surname. Even today, people often feel emotionally attached to their names because names remind us where we came from and who we are.

That deep connection to identity points to a greater spiritual truth found throughout Scripture: God knows us personally and calls us by name.

The Bible repeatedly emphasizes that our ultimate identity is not rooted in public recognition, legal systems, or cultural expectations, but in our relationship with God. Human systems may struggle to balance individuality and unity, yet God perfectly understands both. Marriage is meant to reflect covenant and oneness, but God never erases the worth or personhood of those He joins together.

In Isaiah, God speaks tenderly:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine.”

What a remarkable statement. Before society defines us, before institutions categorize us, before others misunderstand us, God knows our name.

Throughout Scripture, names often changed at pivotal moments:

• Abram became Abraham.

• Jacob became Israel.

• Simon became Peter.

These changes symbolized transformation, purpose, and divine calling. Yet even when names changed, God’s personal knowledge of each individual never disappeared. Heaven’s relationship with us is never impersonal.

The Japanese couple’s story also reveals another universal truth: people long to be fully known without losing themselves. That longing is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. In Him, unity does not destroy individuality. The body of Christ is made of many members, each uniquely valued, uniquely gifted, and uniquely loved.

Marriage itself reflects this mystery. Two become one, yet both remain precious souls created in the image of God. Biblical unity is not about erasing identity but harmonizing lives under God’s love.

Revelation even speaks of a future where God gives His people “a new name”, a symbol of eternal belonging and intimacy with Him. The God who formed the galaxies also knows every person individually.

Bible Verse

Genesis 2:24

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”

Take the Next Step

Your identity is far more than a legal document, a surname, or the expectations of society. God knows you personally and calls you His own. Take time this week to reflect on where you place your sense of worth and belonging. Ask God to help you find security not in human approval, but in His unchanging love. Whether in marriage, family, friendships, or personal struggles, remember that true unity never requires losing the person God created you to be. In Christ, you are fully known, deeply loved, and eternally valued.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for knowing each of us by name and loving us completely. Help us to find our identity in You rather than in the pressures of the world. Strengthen marriages, families, and relationships with wisdom, grace, and understanding. Remind us daily that we belong to You and that our true worth is found in Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.