Young Japanese Turn to Professional Matchmakers Amid Dating-App Fatigue

In recent months, enrollment in marriage-agency services across Tokyo has surged to levels described as “record rates.” These agencies employ counselors who act as professional matchmakers, promising a faster path to marriage than the trial-and-error of dating apps.

New York Times

For centuries, Japanese unions were arranged through “omiai,” a practice in which relatives, family friends, or employers introduced singles. After World War II, omiai declined as organic dating and, later, casual-dating apps became dominant. The current wave represents a revival of the traditional matchmaking model, now packaged as a commercial service.

New York Times

Experts cited in the reporting attribute the resurgence to a backlash against the frustrations common to modern daters worldwide—shrinking social circles, “ghosting,” catfishing, and non-committal encounters on apps.

New York Times

• “The process of endless matching, messaging and finally meeting on apps was exhausting,” — Mr. Yasuda

New York Times

These developments suggest a notable reorientation in how Japan’s younger generation approaches long-term partnership, blending a historic practice with contemporary commercial structures.

New York Times