This world operates not on principles but on supply and demand.

“Tamayo” with Nanako Matsushima.

In the 1980s, Japanese women sought partners with three distinct roles: the billpayer, the gift-giver, and the errand-runner—functioning as an ATM, a meal ticket, and a chauffeur.

As Japan entered a prolonged period of balance-sheet repair, women’s dating preferences shifted dramatically toward a “4 Low, 3 Strong” framework.

The “4 Low” criteria meant low ego, low dependency, low risk, and low spending.

The “3 Strong” criteria emphasized strong domestic skills, strong career ability, and strong physical health.

Take Wang Qinián from *Joy of Life* as an example.

Low ego: He strictly followed the rules set by his wife, never putting on airs or displaying patriarchal attitudes.

Low dependency: He was proactive about chores and childcare rather than relying on his wife.

Low risk: He maintained a very stable job and income.

Low spending: No need to elaborate—he wouldn’t even bring lunch from home, instead freeloading off Fan Xian and taking food from work back home.

His “3 Strong” attributes speak for themselves.