7 Japanese women broke convention to live the unmarried ‘Friends’ dream — and honestly, we need to do this

As people grow old, they need companionship for psychological and emotional support. More than we, at times, even realize, friendship or camaraderie isn't just an escape from solitude, but it's as vital and as basic for our survival as water or oxygen. For humans, especially older people, as reported by the National Library of Medicine, being part of a social group is so important that those without solid, meaningful relationships are at least 50% more likely to die earlier. On this note, let's talk about the "Koko Seven," an incredible group of 7 single Japanese women who decided to live together to help each other in their old age.

It all began when Kiku Taya, the oldest member of the group, and Ichikawa, head of a social welfare corporation, came up with the idea of single people living together, as reported by the Asia News Network. Soon, they started their hunt for like-minded people who were interested in joining them. Later, four more women, including a journalist named Kimi Kawana and a copywriter, Yoshie Ichinotsubo, joined the group, making the "Koko Seven" possible. "We help each other, but we are not dependent on each other," Taya said, talking about how even while living close to one another, these women have mastered the idea of being self-sufficient. Notably, the group has been in existence for more than 16 years now, and it has witnessed many changes over time.

In 2008, when the seven women initially decided to come together, forming a one-of-a-kind society, they agreed on 'not providing' nursing care to each other, and asked a lawyer to explain legal procedures on deciding what to do with their belongings once they passed away. Among the group of seven, three members signed a voluntary guardianship contract with the lawyer, giving the attorney the absolute power to make decisions if they ever get dementia. Interestingly, the members, even today, are so incredibly close to one another that they keep each other updated through group emails or by meeting at least once a week.

"Because we are not old close friends, but rather people who have come together in order to be ‘Friends Living Nearby,’ we each have a strong desire to maintain our closeness," Kawana shared. While all these women were from distinctive career backgrounds, including journalists, advertising copywriters, etc., they found each other's company a meaningful addition to their lonely retirement lives. For example, Yasuda, a member of the group, decided to join the tribe when, after a minor stroke, she feared she'd die with no one around. Likewise, Shahia, who had to live alone after spending the first half of her life with a large family, found comfort by being around other members of the group. This goes to disprove the popular perception of 'career' and 'family' being unable to coincide.

The incredible story, shared on Arvin Jun J Jabla's (@chibakein) Instagram page, received an outpouring of love, with people appreciating the ladies for taking a step that, otherwise, seems to be unconventional. For instance, @chula_chocochip revealed, "I would love to have this; however, at the heart of Japan’s culture is a deep belief in respect and politeness. I bet this makes it easy to live with each other because they are naturally mindful of each other. I don’t know if it would be an ideal living situation here in the States, given the American culture of an independent and do-what-you-want attitude, unless all people are equally mindful and very conscientious."

On the other hand, @bypujagoyal pointed out, "Single women are somehow more content... for some odd reason. And Japan holds space for all kinds of people without judging them. You will always find your people in Japan, I suppose." Meanwhile, @moon.watcher.9 confessed, "After 15 years, I will start looking for like-minded sisters." Similarly, @chic.chick.t said, "It makes a lot of sense for women since they outlive men and this allows them to combine financial resources and leverage them more efficiently while increasing their level of lifestyle."

You can follow Arvin Jun J Jabla (@chibakein) on Instagram for more such wholesome content.