I nearly got married in Japan - the full story

In 2014, he reconnected with Kei by email; visiting her in Kyushu, they discussed marriage within two days for residency. They never filed the papers: documentation delays coincided with chlamydia, prolonged joint pain, wisdom-tooth pain, conflict, and repeated expulsions. After breakups, homelessness, reunions, and departure for Korea, they ended contact; he regards avoiding marriage as a lucky escape.

He concludes shared interests and friendship matter more than attraction, love, or residency.