A survey conducted by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research revealed that 61.4% of single men aged 18-34 do not have a girlfriend and that 49% of single women in the same age range do not have a boyfriend.

The institute, which is part of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, conducts the survey every five years. It released the results of its latest survey, conducted in 2010, on its website this week.

The survey was given to 14,000 unmarried people, asking them multiple-choice questions about their opinions on marriage. Among the main reasons given by both men and women for not being married were: "I don't know how to start a relationship with a member of the opposite sex," I don't want to lose my independence," and "I don't have enough money to get married."

However, more than 80% of both male and female respondents said they would like to get married at some stage "if they can find someone suitable."

© Japan Today