In a novel approach to the traditional expectation that women change their surnames upon marriage, a couple in Tokyo has opted to determine their family name through a lottery. As they prepared for their wedding, the wife, initially open to changing her surname, experienced a shift in perspective when her fiancé faced surprise and opposition from his parents about the possibility of him taking her surname. This made her question the societal norm suggesting it was 'natural' for women to change their name, leading her to assert that she did not want to perpetuate this inequality.

Throughout their discussions, the couple discovered differing levels of attachment to their surnames. While the wife expressed that she would be fine with either surname as long as they had the same name, the husband preferred not to take her surname and suggested the option of a dual-surname marriage, which is not yet legally recognized in Japan. Ultimately, they decided to choose a family name through a lottery, assigning a two-thirds chance to the husband's name and a one-third chance to the wife's name, creating what they deemed a 'fair' system that reflected their respective feelings towards their surnames and avoided any pressure or resentment in their relationship.

The lottery drawing took place in a strictly regulated manner, with the wife preparing chopsticks numbered 1 to 3, signifying the surnames, and they drew at the same time. The result left the husband visibly shocked when the wife's surname was drawn first. Recognizing the emotional impact it had on him, the wife immediately proposed a 'best of three' draw, allowing the husband two more chances to have his surname chosen. Ultimately, after one more round, they agreed to the husband's surname, resulting in a compromise that respected both their wishes while fostering an equal partnership in their marriage.