Japanese Dating Apps
By Abdulai Lateef | November 12, 2020
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Welcome to Japan! The land of the rising sun and many mysteries to be unveiled! Have you just arrived in Japan and are desperately eager to find love? Or have you been in Japan for years and have failed uncountable times in your quest to find a partner? Or are feeling too shy or introverted to approach a potential partner? Do not worry! This article has got really great answers for you. I spent 30 hours researching Japanese Dating Apps FOR YOU, so you don't have to!
Dating in Japan can be full of mixed experiences. If you happen to ask any of your friends in Japan about their dating experience in Japan, one thing is definitely going to be certain amongst all the answers: All the experiences are different! Even when living in a crowded metropolis like Tokyo, it's easier to feel isolated and unable to make personal connections than you may think. Yes, Japan has many friendly and reserved people but getting close enough to the level of dating requires time and effort from both parties.
Good news for you! You don't have to feel that way anymore! If you are looking to meet that special someone or trying to get out of the house and find a potential partner with similar interests, here are some online Japanese dating apps that could be beneficial to you. Make sure to have a look at all of them and find your best suit now!
Dating In Japan
As stated before, dating in Japan happens in many mysterious ways. Be it couples dating from high school, university, workplace, or meeting at random places in Japan. Online dating in Japan has also been increasing of late. With the increasing popularity of online dating, offline dating is still relatively predominant in the Japanese dating context. Goukon, Machikon, and Aiseki Izakaya, and Konkatsu parties have certainly established their presence in the current Japanese society.
This article offers you the chance to select between online Japanese dating apps and also have the chance to know about offline dating events. If you have not found your perfect love yet, do not worry, there are many options available to you.
Facts you need to know about Dating in Japan
Fact 1.
Ever since the introduction of online dating in Japan, the online dating market in Japan is expected to grow 3.32 times from 2017 to 2023 while the global online dating market is expected to grow 1.56 times over the same period. There has also been a significant increase in the number of dating service users in Japan. In 2016 alone, 15.6% of single individuals used dating services, while nearly one-fourth of single individuals (23.5%) used dating services last year.
Fact 2.
Did you know the Japanese Government supports online and offline dating? Well, here is some more information for you. Japan's declining birth rate and an aging population are leading to declines in population and working-age population, which are the worst rates in the selected Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries.
To overcome the decline in the population, the Japanese government is encouraging people to marry by offering government-funded support like subsidies for low-income couples, hosting marriage hunting parties, and introducing matching agencies. With this support from the government, the stigma Japanese people used to have against dating services has improved over the last decade, especially online dating.
Surprisingly, the Japanese government does not only just support dating, It also grants funds to users! For example, one cabinet office started providing about $2,800 for newly married, low-income couples to support their married life. The government also provided grants to local governments that set up a local matching agency service or hosted marriage hunting meetups at local venues.
Some of these initiatives have been effective in increasing marriage and birth rates according to government data. This early success and continued government involvement loosened some of the cultural reluctance around dating services, which eventually led to an increase in dating service users. For instance, the proportion of married couples who met through dating services reached their highest levels last year.
The reduction in crime incidents from online dating platforms and the government's support of dating services have helped to remove the stigma around both online and offline dating services. This has created safety in the use of online Japanese dating apps and attendance at offline dating events too! The online dating industry has been growing significantly, has become less stigmatized and as a result, it will continue to expand in market size.
Dating customs in Japan
Just like any part of the world, there are customs in Japan that are worth knowing when you are dating. Adhering to customs about dating will help individuals understand the Japanese culture well and probably prevent things that are a complete turn off when you are dating. Below is a list of customs that are worth checking out.
Hookups or casual dating are strong taboos and frowned upon in Japan.
Culturally in Japan, having sexual intercourse outside of an "official" relationship is considered "filthy," even among those who do not practice a religion (which is a major part of the entire population). For instance, kissing a girl is something you cannot do until you become boyfriend and girlfriend or in an official relationship.
Japanese prefer a more in-person type of relationship
Even though online dating is a really helpful tool in finding a relationship in Japan, it is worth noting that, Japanese people prefer an in-person affectionate kind of relationship. Many Japanese people think a "real relationship" only happens in the real world, not through meeting someone on the internet. Until around 2015, more than 72% of married couples met through work, mutual friends, family, or school.
Meeting people online, especially through online dating services, was considered sketchy or even dangerous. Early online dating services were linked to crimes such as murders, fraud, kidnapping, and child prostitution. Most of the victims were female minors. Thankfully, the situation has improved a lot over the past decade as police departments have taken these crimes very seriously and worked to lower the number of incidents. After successfully finding the perfect date and partner online, be ready to spend more time in person than over the internet.
Read more about dating customs in Japan:
Ultimate Guide to Dating Japanese Men
Reasons for dating in Japan
Companionship
Having a companion tops the list of reasons why people date. People looking for future partners or looking to marry in the near future is one of the commonest reasons why people date in Japan. Dating can provide companionship through interaction and shared activities with the opposite sex.
One of the worst of all human conditions is loneliness. Oftentimes, loneliness causes a person to feel depressed, impatient, bored, self-depreciation, and desperation as they feel panicked and helpless. One of the best counters to loneliness is the establishment of meaningful relationships with others. Finding the right person at the right time takes away all the burdens that come with loneliness. A person can use dating as a process of filtering out or narrowing the field of eligible partners down to a specific few and eventually to one person who will be his mate for a lifetime.
Dating For Fun!
It can be a source of enjoyment and recreation. This is an end in itself because couples want to relax and experience a form of entertainment together. Most people do not usually have future plans of marriage or companionship so they tend to date for the fun of it. Dating for fun takes many forms such as sexual fun, friends with benefits, travel buddies, and entertainment buddies, and any form of fun that a person can possibly think of. Even though dating for fun is usually frowned upon in Japanese cultures and uncommon, there are people who do actually date for fun.
Dating Helps in the socialization process.
If you are curious about Japanese culture and want to assimilate parts of the culture, what better way to do that than to date a Japanese person! In other words, dating establishes social confidence, helps people learn social skills like manners, consideration for others, cooperation, and conversation. Through dating, one will be able to learn a lot about Japanese culture.
Dating differences between cultures
Full disclosure of interest or a confession of your affection is essential
When Japanese couples start going out, in a lot of cases, the relationship is preceded by what's called a "confession". This is where one partner tells the other their feelings and asks to date them. This is the point where the relationship begins.
In contrast, rather than getting confirmation of their partner's feelings, Western couples tend to go on a number of dates and gradually build up a mutual awareness that they are dating. This is because there are some people in the West who might think they're in with a chance if someone agrees to go to coffee with them.
In Japan, people often go out for lunch or tea just as friends. This is why in Japan if you don't properly confess and recognize each others' mutual feelings, you may not really know when your relationship as a couple actually began.
Couples are More Likely to Split the Bill
This varies between generations and areas, and of course between individual couples themselves as well, but there is a trend among the younger generation for couples to split the bill on dates as their relationship progresses. This isn't because Japanese people are cheap! Rather, people grow up thinking that splitting things fairly keeps things equal and improves personal relationships. There is a sense that a couple should share things equally with each other.
That said, many men like to pick up the bill for special dates like Christmas, birthdays, or anniversaries.
It's Normal for a Weekend Date to Go All Day
In the West, dates are often fairly casual affairs. People might meet for lunch or hang out for a couple of hours over coffee, a quick meal, or a walk. Of course, Japanese people do these things on dates too, but they're usually part of a long day out together. The main event on a date is often something like visiting a theme park, going shopping, or seeing a fireworks display. This is why when Japanese people are planning a date for the weekend, it'll usually be for half or full-day. Some people probably think that just lunch or coffee isn't quite enough.
There are No Public Displays of Affection
You often see couples in the west showing their affection in public with a hug or a kiss. Generally speaking, Japanese couples may hold hands, but typically don't kiss in public.
There seem to be two reasons why. The first is that Japanese people tend to value privacy, and avoiding PDA helps protect the personal connection that comes with being a couple. The second reason is that people may be seen as lacking in a public moral sense, and some people may even feel that PDA would make the people around them uncomfortable. This is why Japanese couples avoid public displays of affection.
There's No Custom of Expressing Your Love in Words
Japanese people tend to be shy, and don't come right out with things like "I love you" as freely as people might in the West. Typically, people understand that their partner knows how they feel, even if they don't say it out loud.
Of course, everyone is different, and it's not uncommon for a lack of expressions of love to cause arguments between couples. Still, this kind of "unspoken understanding" is a unique part of Japanese culture.
Couples Love Having Stay-at-Home Dates
There are plenty of people in Japan who prefer to use their days off to relax and take things easy. This is why many couples like to watch a DVD or play games together at home. On the other hand, it seems Western couples tend to see their days off as a chance to get out and be active or call their friends for a get-togethering.
Japanese couples think of their time alone together as very important, which is a bit different from Western couples who like to share their time with a group of friends.
Valentine's Day is a Day Where Women Express Their Feelings to Men.
In the West, Valentine's Day tends to be a day where women wait for an invitation from the man in their lives. In Japan, it's more common for women to prepare a gift of chocolate for men they have feelings for. It's a day that makes men's hearts beat a little faster.
A month later on March 14th, Japan has a special cultural tradition called White Day, where men give women back a present in return.
Recently, women also tend to give chocolate to other people in their lives too. They might surprise their friends with tomo-choco ("friend chocolate"), or take a gift of Giri-choco ("obligation chocolate") to work to give to their boss.
Only Half of Couples Live Together Before Marriage
In the West, moving in together is treated as an important step before marriage. In Japan, this isn't such a common custom. Recently, "semi-cohabitation" is becoming quite common. This is where couples might spend half the week or the weekend together, even if they don't officially live together. That said, people don't tend to think that not living together before the wedding will mean that the marriage itself will go badly.
The tradition of confessing serves as a stage where couples can make it clear that they are exclusively dating from the outset. Because of this, the steps for moving forward towards marriage are relatively smooth in comparison to the West.
Japanese People Tend to Be Marriage Conscious
In the West, it seems that couples tend to gradually start thinking about marriage after dating and then moving in together. On the other hand, while thinking about marriage has seen generational changes, Japanese people tend to be strongly conscious of getting married when they reach their mid-twenties.
This is purely from the perspective of a woman in her twenties herself, but around the time people graduate and enter the workforce, they tend to start thinking that they'd prefer their next relationship to be a long-term one that could lead to marriage. Part of this thinking could be that it's seen as a waste of time dating if you don't see each other as someone you could marry. Evaluating their partner in this way as they go through the stages of their relationship may be something unique to Japanese women.
Meeting the Parents Means that Marriage is on the Cards
There are many people in Japan who keep it to themselves without telling their parents when they start dating someone new. This isn't because people don't wait to introduce their partner to their parents! It's because in Japanese culture, there is a strong sense that introducing your partner to your parents is a sign that you are seriously dating with a view towards getting married. Of course, this doesn't apply to everyone. Some people have a closer, more friendly relationship with their parents. From the perspective of a woman, it seems like a lot of people also confide in their mother but keep things from their father if he's on the stricter side.
Read more about marriage and civil unions in our articles on marriage and weddings:
Ultimate Guide to Getting Married in Japan
Ultimate Guide to Having a Japanese Wedding
General Japanese Dating Apps
Japanese Dating apps are the main tool when it comes to online dating. Heads up! There are many different types of Japanese dating apps that you will find on the internet. It is worth filtering out the different types of apps into specific ones that fit your specific interest. Below in this article is a list of top Japanese dating apps that are approved and frequently used in Japan.
Most frequently than usual, every user of an online Japanese dating app would be required to subscribe or do something of the sought. So, before subscribing to a Japanese dating app, keep in mind that most of them are likely to require you to submit a photo of an official ID before using their services. This is because they are quite literally trying to find you a suitable husband. If that's your goal, don't mind the screening! Good luck in finding the best for yourself, ladies & Gentlemen!
Japanese dating apps
Japan Cupid - One of the Japanese dating apps for Long-Term Love
Number of Users: Over 1 million users in Japan
Software system: Both Android and iOS
What better way to start the list of Japanese dating apps than with Japan Cupid; the app that offers you the chance to a long term relationship. If you are exhausted with casual dating or dating for fun, and in search of a long-term relationship, Japan Cupid is a website featuring thousands of singles looking for the love of their life. JapanCupid is a part of the Cupid Media Group, a niche-based dating site group. Japan Cupid is a separate entity from OkCupid and provides a great deal of information about potential matches, including detailed desired traits in potential mates, which saves you time in your search.
There are many testimonials and success stories on Japan Cupid, along with a verification system that ensures the people you speak with are, in fact, real. The website is free to browse and features a paid subscription model for sending messages. Keep in mind that unlike other Japanese dating apps, Japan Cupid is available on Android devices only.
Japan Cupid also features a multilingual system. There is English, Japanese, and many other languages available. The popularity of this app amongst Japanese dating apps is so far 3 stars out of 5 stars. Looking to get married, here is your chance.
Tinder
Number of Users: Over 1 million users in Japan
Software system: Both Android and iOS
Next up in the list of Japanese dating apps is the famous Tinder! Tinder is famous worldwide and has a list of many potential partners. Since making its official debut in Tokyo in early 2015, Tinder has become the definitive app for meeting both traveling foreign users and English speaking Japanese users. There are tons of singles using Tinder in Tokyo alone, so you will have no shortage of prospective matches. With Tinder, you are able to specify the age range of people you'd like to meet, as well as distance.
Tinder has a free list of options once you get a match. These include sending and receiving messages, a limited number of right swipes per day, and a limited number of super likes per day. Upgrade to Tinder Plus® for premium features, including: Unlimited Likes so you can use the Swipe Right™ feature to your heart's content, use the Passport™ feature to chat with singles anywhere around the world, and take advantage of the Rewind® feature to give someone a second chance. You'll also receive one free Boost a month, and additional Super Likes to stand out from the crowd.
Upgrade to Tinder Gold™ for a first-class experience: Passport, Rewind, Unlimited Likes, five Super Likes per day, one Boost per month, and more profile controls. But wait, it gets better - save time and aimless searching with our Likes You feature, which lets you see who likes you before you Like or Nope. Think of it as your personal Tinder concierge-available 24/7-bringing all of your pending matches to you. Now you can sit back, enjoy a fine cocktail, and browse through profiles at your leisure. To subscribe to Tinder Plus or Tinder Gold, tap IMG_9916.jpeg on the main screen > Settings > Get Tinder Plus or Get Tinder Gold.
Tinder can be in English or the Japanese language too! From the reviews of Tinder, it has the popularity of 4 stars out of 5 stars. Another important feature of Tinder is that it has a go-global feature that allows users to connect and match with other users worldwide. So in case, you want to broaden your search and meet more people, then this feature works perfectly for you. With this feature, users can start making matches before they arrive in Japan too. Tinder also has a decent option for gay or bisexual users.
Dine - Not Your Typical Japanese Dating App
Number of Users: Over 150,000 users.
Software system: Both Android and iOS
This Japanese dating app is really unique compared to any other. Dine is one of the Japanese dating apps that isn't about superficial love at first sight, but an opportunity to experience someone's company and a new culinary adventure. Dine introduces high-quality potential matches daily. Simply request them to Dine and if they accept, skip the small talk and meet up for a first date over the best food and drinks around! We all know the world of online dating can be a bit of a song-and-dance. First, there's the endless swiping, then the forced online small talk to break the ice. The Dine app lets you cut to the chase a little quicker.
As the name implies, Dine uses food as the ultimate ice breaker. You will be introduced to potential matches, learn their favorite places to eat. The app allows you to request a dinner date and learn, face-to-face if you truly do match. Once a match is made on Dine, the date and location have already been decided and accepted. Next, use "Date Lock" , a feature that allows you to lock in a date. Suggest 3-5 days you are available and your match will agree to meet you on one of those dates. The final step, meet up!
Even if you don't end up making a connection, since Tokyo has the designation of being the city with the most famous restaurants, you are guaranteed to at least have a superb meal.
OkCupid Japan - one of the Japanese dating apps built on Science
Number of Users: Over 50 million registered users
Software system: Both Android and iOS
OkCupid is often known as "the best dating site on Earth," OkCupid's Japanese version is much more detail focused than Bumble or Tinder, with the average time to fill out your profile coming in at around 45 minutes. You can of course opt to leave most of your profile empty, but based on past experiences, it isn't recommended, because you're most likely to remain unnoticed.
If you're really serious about finding that special someone, OkCupid's system prides itself on providing the most detailed information possible, using an advanced algorithm to help you meet the person of your dreams. This is done through the use of questions. You can answer hundreds of questions relating to sex, morality, political views, and other topics, and even share how important these topics are to you, as well as which answers you will accept from potential matches.
OkCupid uses this information to help you find singles with similar personalities based on a 0-100% match percentage range. Additionally, OkCupid has employed the Tinder swiping system as one of its free features to fast-track the matching process.
Whether it's casual dating or a long-term commitment, OkCupid can help you find someone special.
Love doesn't discriminate, and neither does OkCupid. LGBT dating on OkCupid will help you find a match no matter your gender or orientation. Gay dating, lesbian dating, and more - you can even set your pronouns at registration!
Although OkCupid is absolutely free to download and use, they offer an optional premium subscription that unlocks exclusive features. Some of these include; seeing who likes you without having to like them first, searching singles with advanced filters and additional options, and enjoying OkCupid ad-free. Payment will be charged to your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current 1, 3, 6, or 12 month periods. Auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's iTunes Account Settings after purchase. No cancellation of the current subscription is allowed during the active subscription period.
OkCupid Japan is not exactly suited for brief encounters in Tokyo, but it could be worth checking out. This application is in English, Japanese, and many other languages. According to reviews, this application is rated as 3 stars out of 5 stars.
Pairs-the most popular amongst Japanese dating apps
Number of Users: A total of over 10 million members.
Software system: Both Android and iOS
Pairs is another online dating site and one that has had numerous TV and train commercials since going online. This site and its related app also uses your Facebook profile but allows you to hide your full name, enabling its users to go by initials instead. Pairs has continued to acquire users. It had over 100 million subscribers in January 2019. It intends to enhance branding and user experience by focusing on UI and data manipulation. The integrated Facebook user verification into its app by Pairs has helped to eliminate females users' fear of using online Japanese dating apps. It has also created more than 1,000 communities on Facebook based on different activities. The goal of these communities is to help people find other singles who are interested in the same activities and foster more serious relationships.
Their target audience tends to be younger Japanese men, so there are plenty of guys to choose from, but those that are interested in pursuing a serious relationship with a non-native Japanese speaker are few and far between, at least in my experience, according to a user.
Pairs is the most popular amongst Japanese dating apps. It surpasses its competitors in accounts. More impressively, it has a more balanced ratio of active male and female users than any other Japanese dating apps with 60% male users and 40% female users. Most users are in their 20s and 30s. 50% of those users are male and 36.7% are female.
Pairs even outperform the leading dating apps in the US when comparing user ratio. Looking at the top 5 most popular dating apps in the US, the active user ratio is heavily skewed towards male users. Males comprise about 70% or more of the active users count for most dating apps in the US.
Mainly, the language used by Pairs is Japanese and it is free for women and a monthly subscription fee for men. Pairs have been rated as 3 stars out of 5 stars according to their reviews by users.
Bumble - The Dating App Where Ladies Go First
Number of Users: A total of 22 million users
Software system: Both Android and iOS
Bumble is one of the newer Japanese dating apps on the Tokyo scene, and also employs Tinder's highly popular swiping mechanic. It is a particularly bare-bones app at the moment. However, women are in full control of Bumble. Bumble was first founded to challenge the antiquated rules of dating. Now, Bumble empowers users to connect with confidence whether dating, networking, or meeting friends online. Bumble has made it not only necessary but acceptable for women to make the first move, shaking up outdated gender norms. It prioritizes kindness and respect, providing a safe online community for users to build new relationships.
If guys and girls match on the Bumble system, it is entirely up to the woman to initiate the conversation. Women have 24 hours to start a conversation, after which point the match expires if there is no communication, although men can offer a time extension in hopes of receiving a "hello." This app also relies on the user having a Facebook profile first in order to log in, which has made it a bit slow to catch on in Japan, but it is gaining in popularity because of its "women get to choose" option.
There are some important features on bumble that are worth looking out for. Some of these are: Bumble Bizz. This feature allows people in the same career department to meet and date. On Bumble Bizz, you can pursue a career change, meet team members, or become a mentor. Bumble BFF is another important and useful feature every user might want to try out. Whether you're new to a city or looking to expand your social circle, Bumble BFF is a simplified way to create meaningful friendships.
Bumble is available on both iOS and Android devices, is free to use, and most premium features won't be necessary to the majority of users. The app isn't quite as popular as Tinder though, so the number of English-speaking users is less. Best stick to this app if you are strictly looking for foreigners living in Tokyo.
MeetUp - An Interest-Based Friend Finder
Number of Users: A total of 35 million Meetup users
Software system: Both Android and iOS
MeetUp helps you discover the things you love to do and people to do it with both online and in person. With over 50 million members, Meetup helps you build a career network, discover a tech community, create a personal brand, and pursue your passions. Download the Meetup app and host your own events or join one of the 100,000 Meetup events happening every week. Whether you need a language exchange partner to help strengthen your Japanese-speaking skills or are looking for a hiking buddy to replace the one you left back in your home country, MeetUp is the ultimate app for finding like-minded individuals.
With the MeetUp app, you can join groups based on specific interests, and make new friends instantly. Once you are part of a group, you will be notified of upcoming events. All you have to do is RSVP, and you're in! If a group is not fitting, for you, feel free to create or start up your own group. You can host your own events online and in-person by creating a group on your favorite topic, watch your community grow as your group is recommended to interested people, easily personalize and schedule events on-the-fly, and manage your group from anywhere, and keep the momentum going between events by sharing photos and using discussions and messaging to connect with the people in your group.
Language exchange meetups are typically held at trendy bars and nightclubs and are among the most popular groups in Japan, and a great way to meet your potential mate.
MatchAlarm
Number of Users: A total of 160,000 users
Software system: Both Android and iOS
MatchAlarm is one of the Japanese dating apps that recommends a new person to you every morning at 8 a.m. If individuals find each other attractive, they can start chatting within the app. Many online matchmaking services require users to do the searching, but MatchAlarm takes away the hustle by doing the work for users. Users can check each other's profile for a limited time, just until the end of the day Based on your social information gleaned from your Facebook profile and behavior. You have 16 hours to respond to an alarm, after which it will disappear.
It requires only three coins (a part of the in-app payment system) in order to tap the "Might Like You" button. This app is Japanese only, but you're likely to find more people serious about dating and relationships on here as this is more of a konkatsu app or an app for those seriously looking for a marriage partner.
70% of users on MatchAlarm are university graduates and this app is available on Android and iOS platforms. It is purely in Japanese and it has been rated as 3.5 stars out of 5 stars.
Omiai
Number of Users: A total of 350,000 users
Software system: Both Android and iOS
The word 'Omiai' refers to a Japanese custom where individuals are introduced to each other as potential marriage material. According to the Omiai Facebook app page, it is the biggest online dating service in Japan that leverages the Facebook social network. Omiai has over 4 million users currently. You can search for your ideal partner using 24 criteria, including age, nationality, income, personality, and more.
As with other sites, users can hide their Facebook identity until they feel comfortable enough to share with the other person. Omiai is free for women to use, and for men, it costs 1,980 yen per month. Omiai is also available as an app on iOS and Android.
The largest online dating site and app service in Japan that relies on your Facebook profile to search for your ideal match. This is another konkatsu service, so unless you're looking for a serious relationship, Omiai might not be the site for you.
Some prominent features of Omiai is that; it has an excellent pedigree in local dating, it is a good app for people who are interested in a meaningful long term relationship, and it has really good relationship reviews. Even though the app is purely in Japanese, it is possible to translate your way through to have a perfect match. Currently, it has a rating of 4 stars out of 5 stars.
Tapple
Number of Users: A total of over 5 million registered members.
Software system: Both Android and iOS
Tapple is also another unique dating app amongst the list of Japanese dating apps that will be worth your time. Tapple is a dating app where, instead of filling out a profile and searching for people, you fill out the qualifiers of what sort of man you're interested in, and then join different groups based on your hobbies. These questions are designed to determine your specific interests and the type of partner you are interested in. Then, you're shown a selection of men who share that interest and meet your criteria, and you can either like, skip, or super like their profile. Tapple works exactly like Tinder at this stage.
Tapple signs its users up by Gmail or by Facebook. Users will then be required to fill in personality questions that best describe their interests. The app's algorithm will then place the user in a suitable category and offer singles in the same category daily till you find a perfect match.
While people had some positive experiences meeting and talking to people on this app, when it came time to actually meet in person, the people that users spoke to were very hesitant to meet offline. One guy actually said he preferred to talk and date online exclusively. Other foreign female users had similar results, so this might not be a good choice if you are seriously looking to meet someone.
This App is purely in Japanese but as usual, it is capable to translate your way into getting a match and this app is free for women and a monthly subscription fee for men (varies by the number of months desired). It also does have a popularity of 2½ stars out of 5 stars.
YYC
Number of Users: A total of over 2 million users.
Software system: Both Android and iOS
YYC has been around for over 12 years and is listed as Japan's largest dating service. When you join, you are given an automatic 300 points to use in order to meet and match with others based on your own search parameters. Find Japanese women that meet your taste using the search tool. The great way to make use of YYC is to continually update your wall just like you do on your Instagram and Facebook pages. It is a platform for people who are looking for a serious relationship.
The vast majority of this service's users are young professionals. YYC is a dating site designed for people who want to combine the blogging space of LiveJournal with the influencer lifestyle of Instagram, so if you aren't the type to frequently update and message, you might find this site to be more of a hustle than anything else. Casual users tend to just disappear after their free points run out, so it's not a place for you if you aren't ready to commit to the effort.
YYC is free for women, but men have to pay a monthly fee and this app is compatible with both Android and IOS devices. This App is in Japanese with a rating of 3½ stars out of 5stars.
Frigg
Number of Users: A total of over 3million registered users
Software system: Both Android and iOS
Frigg is also an app for individuals who are serious about finding a marriage partner. But Frigg takes a somewhat passive approach. Just as most of the Japanese dating apps above, after answering over 100 questions about personality, lifestyle, hobby, etc, the site recommends a match once per day.
The site also allows users to choose non-negotiable criteria, such as no excess gambling or drinking. Instead of clicking through profile photos, the limited number of recommendations makes individuals extra cautious when before saying yes or no. Men can use premium service starting from 980 yen per month.
Zexy Koimusubi
Number of Users: A total of over 470,000 users.
Software system: Both Android and iOS
As you might be guessing that this is a playful app from its name, that is not the case at all! This is a solid app for singles with a ratio of 50 percent women and 50 percent men. This app asks for age and identity verification upon signing up to prevent unauthorized users. This makes this app genuine and the people you meet here are mostly real.
Zexy Koimusubi is a dating app that is part of a popular Japanese wedding services company. The app overall works on the same principles of matching based on shared interests and use your Facebook profile to compile this data, but otherwise, it seems to have a fairly high success rate. Whether this is due to their association with weddings and marriage already is anyone's guess, but of the people that I know that have used this site, two married someone they met on there, and one is planning her wedding now, so make of that what you will.
After compiling data from the user's social media platforms, the app puts users in suitable categories. This app is purely in Japanese and an initial one time ¥108 fee for women (for ID check purposes), and a monthly fee for men is required upon signing up. It has a popularity of 4 stars out of 5.
Hatch
Number of Users: A total of over 1 million registered members.
Software system: iOS only.
Hatch is a lady-led kind of app just like Bumble. Only women have the right to start a conversation if there is a match. For a same-sex relationship, either party has the right to initiate the conversation. The conversation has to be done in 24hours or the match expires.
Hatch is a newcomer to Japanese dating apps. It has already seen a boost in usage with the young Japanese university and the foreign crowd. All the user has to do is sign in and start swiping. Unique to Hatch is its Stop Light Color status system. Green = Up for some fun, serious relationships, or whatever. Yellow = Only looking for serious relationships. Red = Just friends, please
With Hatch, it is completely free to use. However, there are several in-app purchases that allow you to unlock more features but signing up, swiping, matching, and messing are all free of charge. Also, a particularly unique feature of Hatch is that user profiles display what language they speak. You can even filter your search by language, making it even easier to find your match in Tokyo.
Hatch is only available to iOs systems. Download the App
My-Qpit
Number of Users: A total of over 100,000 users.
Software system: iOS only
The company behind a site called 81 just announced that its total of registered users has exceeded 10,000, this just two months after release. My-Qpit lets users search for partners by age, occupation, and even hobbies. By liking each other's profile, two people can start exchanging messages on the app. After going back and forth twice, they can then check out each other's real Facebook profiles. The site is popular with young women, and is free to use - but for men, it requires a monthly fee of 2,500 yen.
Thousands of members are looking for serious love and lasting relationships on this platform. Qpid Network allows users to live chat, send private messages, share live video, and find soul mates at your fingertips. Join our online dating and chat app today, and meet thousands of singles around the world!
Once installed, this online dating app allows you to: register FREE to search for single members from different countries looking for true love, international dating, or serious relationships browse thousands of high-quality profiles and photos to find your compatible soul mate, watch real-life videos of cheerful singles with a video show, chat and exchange photos instantly with interested members via our popular live chat feature, interact more intimately via two-way live video chat on CamShare, call directly through our Instant Call service to get closer with your contacts, read and reply to passionate EMF Mails on the go, save your favorite contacts and find them easily, and buy credits via our safe and secure gateway.
Japanese Dating Apps for Gays
Same-sex dating is becoming globally accepted in this current century. In Japan, it is not forbidden to show your affection towards the same sex. As a result, below are some Japanese dating apps that you might find helpful if you are looking for same-sex dating or marriage.
9Monsters
Number of Users: approximately 150,000 active users in Japan and 300,000 worldwide.
Software system: Both Android and iOS
9Monsters is a great app if you are looking to date a gay. 9Monsters is a highly popular Japanese gay dating app that also has users from other parts of Asia. This app features an automatic translation function and the ability to set your location to another city prior to traveling to Tokyo for possible matches.
Mainly, This app has 3 key features which are all exclusive functionality!
"Breeding" is very simple social communication! If you find a guy you are interested in, simply select the button "Breeding" from the menu button located in the upper right corner of the home. then, Breeding allows you to find: your type, which category/monster other users think you belong to, and who likes you. Each user can enjoy meeting people through this revolutionary "breeding" automatically!
Another important feature is the auto-translate messaging feature.
Do you sometimes find difficulty communicating with people from different countries? you don't have to worry about that anymore! Depending on who you are speaking to, your messages will be automatically translated as you send them.
Finally, the Spot Jump feature is also worth checking out. For Example, When you planning a trip, Do you sometimes want to make friends or get information regarding the place you will be? This function allows you to set the location to somewhere you want without using GPS. Then, people around the area you chose will be able to see that you are nearby them.
Jack'd
Number of Users: A total of over 6 million users around the world
Software system: Both Android and iOS
This internationally famous male gay dating app is also a good option for Japanese English speaking users in Tokyo. Diverse, inclusive, and fun, this is what distinguishes Jack'd from all other queer Japanese dating apps. With 5 million people spanning 2,000 cities in 180 countries, Jack'd is proud to be the most inclusive dating app amongst other Japanese dating apps.
Jack'd is an independent, LGBTQ+ owned, and operated company. Jack'd believe in the power of technology to create a community and to connect with each other. Whether you're looking to chat, make friends, find love, or keep it casual, you'll find it on Jack'd.
To enjoy more features, you will be required to upgrade to Jack'd pro. With a Jack'd Pro subscription, you get: 1,000 people in your Nearby grid, unlimited favorites & blocks, unlimited matches, unlimited private album photos, more search filters & profile insights, and see everyone who viewed you.
Offline Dating Events in Japan
Goukon
This is a more modernized group blind date. The word emerged from the combination of "goudo" meaning 'mixed' and "konpa" for 'casual meeting.' Usually, Goukon is being carried out in a group of 6 or 8 in total (No odd numbers- the number of men and women should be equal).
There are organizers respectively for the men and women group who know each other and bring their single friends or coworkers with them. The venue will typically be at Izakaya(a type of Japanese bars) in a private room (there are many izakayas that offer rooms/ menus for Goukon!) with men and women sitting opposite to face each other. The gathering kicks off with a toast and a self-introduction by each member. The conversation might be carried out as a group at first but will eventually be separated into smaller groups or pairs as the time passes by. Drinking games or seat swapping takes place if the groups are vibing well. Unlike the traditional blind dates where you're entirely on your own, Goukon is more casual and allows people to meet in a more relaxed atmosphere with the comfort of being with your friends.
However, Goukon may sound like a fun gathering, but it can be unusually complex. For one, you consistently have to learn from the atmosphere and people's expressions to seek if there are any people attracted to one another. There might be a scene where all or some female excuse themselves to the restrooms to discuss the situation. This is very important, as there is potential to leave some awkwardness in their friendships after the event if the person they are attracted to is the same. If the group gets along really well, they may transfer to another venue for additional drinks/ food or even karaoke. The event concludes with the exchanges of contact information within the groups. It might elaborate to something more serious by sending individual messages and setting up another private meeting.
Machikon / Shumikon
With the increasing popularity of Goukon, some local communities or event companies have modified it to a bigger scale. Machikon is more like speed dating with the aim of boosting the interactions of the people within the area. Prior registrations can be completed by paying the admission fee. Anyone can be eligible as long as they pass the age restriction. Because the participants can surpass 100 or even 500, it is challenging to accommodate all of them in one venue. Therefore, some people would move around the designated izakayas or restaurants and have a small goukon with anyone there.
Now machikon has extended to what is called shumikon- where people who enjoy the same hobbies gather together. Izakaya and restaurants are not the only options for venues, these machikon/shumikon have moved to even zoos, beer gardens, bus tours and even at kickboxing studios! Also, participants may require to have a prerequisite for certain machikon/ shumikon for entry. For example, all men need to be taller than 175cm or earn more than the average annual salary. They will need to provide ID or some kind similar, to certify that they have met the prerequisites.
Aiseki Izakaya
While Goukon and Machikon have become a popular approach in bringing people together, you only get to meet 2 or 3 potential partners within the same time, even despite lots of time and energy that's been put into the arrangement. People were seeking a more casual and simpler way to meet people in a short time. Thus, izakaya was designed to meet those demands for daters. Aiseki Izakaya only offers tables to share with strangers to have a chat over food and alcohol. The time-based system works at this Izakaya as male customers are charged around 1,500yen (roughly around AUD$25) for every 30 minutes.
Because the system relies on gathering more women, it is complimentary for female customers. Once you enter, it's all you can eat and drink! A self-serve alcohol bar is often furnished to make your own drinks, as well as a comprehensive food bar to eat all night. Customers will either be guided to the table with people already sitting down or will have to wait until somebody comes to their table. There is no time limit (but remember- male customers are charged every 30 minutes) so customers can stay as much as they want to get to know each other. When there is no spark in the interactions, anyone can change the partners by simply filling the 'table exchange cards,' that are placed in the restrooms and then secretly handed to the staff.
After a while, the staff will come to politely ask them to exchange the tables by giving them a solid reason, such as explaining that they will need to balance out the number of male and female customers. The twist comes here as the staff is well-trained to act this out by not telling the real reasons for the exchange so that no one will be embarrassed.
"Konkatsu" Parties
In recent years, "konkatsu parties" have become a standard way to meet someone new. Konkatsu means the act of actively dating and meeting people with the goal of getting married. Typically, these parties are places where men and women who are looking to get married get together and enjoy a meal and conversation while looking for a potential special someone to date. There are two upsides to konkatsu parties that have made them as popular as they are.
The first is that you can meet a lot of people who are also looking for a partner in one place. The other benefit is that, unlike the Japanese dating apps, you can talk to people in person. Also, because the event is arranged by a company, it feels safer.
There are many different types of konkatsu parties. For example, there are parties targeted at people of certain occupations, incomes, or age ranges. People in the West may find it a little surprising to hear of these kinds of events, but this is a very efficient way for busy working people to meet a wide range of potential dates.
International Parties
If you have tried all the above offline dating events and none of them suits you, don't worry, here is another chance. International parties are the place for all international people in Tokyo who want to meet new people and make new friends and possibly find a lover. These parties are organized in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. There are different types of parties that you can attend. There are ladies' day, international marriage, single only, gaitomo, and many others. This is a great opportunity to meet local Japanese as well as international people. Below are the links to many events of international parties. Do have a look and choose the best fit.
Links:
Conclusion
You have read it all and I am pretty much sure that there is an app for you to find your perfect future date! Don't waste time, choose the app that suits you and enjoy a happy relationship, and remember, you only live once!
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