In feudal Japan, it was common for girls to marry as young as 12 to 14 years old, while boys typically married around the ages of 15 to 18. These early marriages were largely influenced by social and economic factors prevalent during that time.
The primary purpose of marriage in feudal Japan was to form alliances between families, strengthen clan ties, and ensure the continuation of lineage. As such, marriages were often arranged by parents, and the couple’s personal feelings were less of a consideration. The young age of marriage was also practical; as life expectancy was significantly shorter, marrying young was seen as a way to secure a family line sooner and embed individuals into social and economic networks.
Additionally, the legal age of adulthood was considered to be reached earlier for both genders, meaning that responsibilities, including marriage and family duties, were expected to begin at a young age. This tradition continued for many generations and was a reflection of the societal norms and values held during the feudal period in Japan.