Japan's Single Ladies

It is estimated thatin Tokyo 70% ofsingle working women choose to live with their parents and only 50%of them paysome rent. After graduating from college,these women

came back to theirnest and never left. With their mothers taking care of them,these young ladiesare not in a hurry to get married,since they don't do housework or laundry,or

cook.

Happilyunmarried,these called"parasite single",who have become the focus ofthe Japanese society,interpret marriage as lower standard of living and lessmoney."The

problem is that Japan is very different from the United States or Europe,whereafter marriage it's still possible for a woman to pursue a career,even afterhaving a baby.While

in Japan usually the husband doesn'twant the wife to work," says Mariko Kawana,who is 27 years old and worksas a secretary. Her opinion is agreed by Mild Takasu,who

carries a $2 ,900Bubbery purse,and drives a BMW."If a woman realizes there is something shewants to do after having been married,it is almost unlikely for her to come

back to it."

This is the firstsignificant group of Japanese women to stay single beyond their early twenties.Their lifestyle and opinions define a kind of Tokyo yuppie.In the past 15

years,the number ofwomen who are single into their late twenties has risen to 50%.

They are crazy aboutshopping,and they spend most of their salaries on luxury and leisure.Accordingto a nationwide survey,in 2003 they surprisingly covered 15%share in

the total outboundleisure travel market from Japan,sothey are targeted by travel agencies as"the office ladies".In 2002,ashopping tour which concentrated only on shopping

in Milanattracted 700 Japanese single ladies in two months,featured none of Italy'sfamous tourist attractions.The participants didn't even try famous Italianfood,but grabbed

snacks on the run tothe outlet shops.

Girls like Miki,whoare less affected by Japan'seconomic downturn,can afford this lifestyle because they live with theirparents and they have jobs,and most of their incomes

are disposable.

Opinions on theseyoung women vary.Some people think that they are good for the economy becausethey spend their incomes on cars and clothes,while a large number of

people think theyare destroying society by refusing to get married and have children.According to thepassage,what is Not mentioned as the reason for these single women'sunwillingness to get married?

A.Marriage meanslower living standards.

B.They will haveless money to spend on buying what they want.

C.They will havebabies.

D.They are unlikelyto go back to work after marriage.