'Value-Conscious' Young Japanese Meet Partners Through Dating Apps

Survey of 2,000 People Married in the Last 5 Years

A recent survey revealed that one in four Japanese people under 30 who got married in the past five years met their spouse through a dating app.

According to a survey conducted by the Japanese Child and Family Agency targeting 2,000 people who married within the last five years, 25.1% of married individuals answered that they met their spouse through a dating app. [Image source=Getty Images]

According to a survey conducted in July by the Japan Child and Family Agency targeting 18,000 unmarried men and women aged 15 to 39 nationwide and 2,000 people who married within the last five years, 56.8% of married respondents had used dating apps, while 26.8% of unmarried respondents had used them.

Among the married respondents, 25.1% said they met their spouse through a "dating app." This was followed by "work or job-related connections" (20.5%), "school" (9.9%), "introductions by friends or siblings" (9.1%), and "parties or group blind dates" (5.2%).

This survey was conducted to understand the attitudes and behaviors of young people in Japan regarding marriage and childbirth, and the results were reported at a meeting of the Child and Family Agency held the previous day.

According to Japanese media, the meeting noted that dating apps are spreading mainly among young people who prioritize cost-effectiveness. Additionally, since many users feel uneasy about dating apps, the importance of promoting safe usage methods such as third-party verification and developing related guidance was emphasized.