Download Divorce ceremonies take off in Japan.
With a sky-rocketing divorce rate, the Japanese have come up with a unique solution to the delicate issue of ending a marriage.
Canny entrepreneurs are now conducting 'divorce ceremonies', allowing couples to formally end their time together in front of family and friends.
From toasts to never seeing each other again to smashing rings, the ceremonies are becoming increasingly popular.
Mark Willacy of Radio Australia has the story.
With one smooth swing of a hammer, Miho and Hiroshi's seven year marriage was torn asunder.
That hurts murmurs Miho, removing her hand from the hammer's grip.
Watching their divorce ceremony is a handful of friends, there to witness the unhappy couple untie the knot of matrimony.
Reprising his role at their wedding, the best man is there to offer a few, somewhat stilted words.
"Congratulations on your divorce" he says. "When I first heard about it I was surprised. But whatever happens from here on in I'd like to help you both" he says.
Conducting today's ceremony is former salesman turned divorce planner Hiroki Terai.
"In the beginning when I started these ceremonies I felt a bit sad" Terai tells me.
"But now some of the guests come up to me and say that the divorce ceremony is more touching than the original wedding" he says.
Divorce is one of the few growth industries in Japan, with a quarter of a million Japanese tearing up their wedding vows every year.
But it's still very much a taboo subject. However some see these ceremonies as an acceptable way to break the bad news to family and friends.
Hiroshi and Miho were married seven years ago but financial pressures and personality differences took their toll.
"Today, honestly, I didn't think I'd ever see you all together this way", Hiroshi tells his friends at his divorce ceremony. "We decided to get a divorce, but it's a peaceful divorce. Well, actually it's a lie to say it was a 100 per cent peaceful divorce" he admits.
After the ceremony comes the singing. At a nearby tea house the group listens to some traditional music. The atmosphere among the guests is stiff and silent.
"I was forced to come today" admits Miho. "But after the divorce ceremony I feel a little refreshed" she says. "When we smashed the ring I felt sad, but I want to be positive from now on" she says.
"I feel better, more refreshed", says her now former husband Hiroshi. "We didn't talk much before signing the divorce papers, but I hope we can remain friends after this. Maybe, maybe not" he says.
"The image of divorce in Japan is changing" says divorce ceremony planner Hiroki Terai. "Divorce is no longer something to be totally ashamed of. In fact I'm confident this practice of making a vow of a new start in front of family and friends will become more popular" he says.
So entrepreneurs like Hiroki Terai are hoping to cash in on couples saying - 'I do' - to divorce.
