There’s a new way to celebrate independence. Not of a political sovereignty.

Of spouses. Or, actually, ex-spouses.

With a divorce ceremony. They’re catching on in Japan.

Couples (presumably amicable ones) invite friends and family to witness their separation and renewal of their lives. And their destruction of their wedding rings with a gavel.

At a “divorce mansion”. The flashy affair runs about $600.

The originator of the concept, a former salesman, is now exporting his creation to Korea.

And carries the distinction of being Japan’s (if not the world’s) first “divorce ceremony planner”, a brand new career.

Read more in this Reuters article: Japanese couples say “I do” – in divorce ceremonies.