The US newspaper The New York Times reports on the arranged-introduction boom in Reiwa-era Japan. Against a backdrop of dating-app fatigue, young people are turning to costly marriage agencies.
A US newspaper reports that young Japanese people tired of dating apps are increasingly turning to marriage agencies. Registrations with marriage agencies are reportedly rising, particularly among people in their 20s, as they seek the reassurance of matchmaking and are willing to pay high fees.
Since the postwar period, marriages in Japan have historically been arranged through omiai, with relatives and acquaintances playing the central role in introducing prospective partners. At the same time, dating apps have become mainstream amid a trend favouring natural encounters.
Under the headline “Leave your fateful encounter to a professional,” the article depicts young people in Japan choosing marriage agencies as a way to move closer to marriage despite paying high fees. It also introduces specific initiatives such as mock dates with female counsellors.
The report is positioned as coverage by The New York Times of Japan's matchmaking landscape, focusing on arranged introductions in Reiwa-era Japan.