Farrer, J., Tsuchiya, H., & Bagrowicz, B. (2008). Emotional expression in tsukiau dating relationships in Japan. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 25(1), 169–188.

In this article, the authors reported their analysis of qualitative interviews with 135 Japanese young men and women to discover the meanings and purposes they find in tsukiau (“going steady”) relationships. For heterosexual Japanese young people, the tsukiau relationship thus marks a transitional life stage.

The results showed that the young participants (in their 20s) highlighted three major components of intimacy, commitment, and passion in tsukiau relationships, yet in culturally specific ways.

The findings suggested that in a Japanese society where people marry later than before, dating relationships became a new type of comfort zone for young Japanese adults. These processes redefine the boundaries of the “inner” and “outer” self and often replace or displace family ties.

Farrer, J., Tsuchiya, H., & Bagrowicz, B. (2008). Emotional expression in tsukiau dating relationships in Japan. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 25(1), 169–188.
https://doi.org/10.1177/0265407507086811