#Japan #Okayama #marriage support #Omikare

Introduction

On February 18, 2026, Omikare, a leading marriage support information platform in Japan, held a seminar for local government officials at the Okayama Prefecture's Mimasaka office. The seminar aimed to discuss effective marriage support strategies tailored to the needs of younger generations, particularly Generation Z.

Background and Purpose

Located in northeast Okayama, Mimasaka is blessed with beautiful nature but faces challenges such as population decline and difficulties in attracting attendance to matchmaking events due to limited transportation options. Young people today are eager to marry but often feel lost in the overwhelming information, resulting in a trend of “marriage recruitment confusion.” The seminar focused on uncovering what approaches resonate with today’s youth and how both public and private sectors can collaborate effectively.

Highlights from Participants

Post-seminar, several local government officials shared positive feedback that could influence future policy-making. One participant noted, "The diversity in event formats and their respective pros and cons were enlightening. We need to tailor our event content and recruitment strategies based on successful examples from other municipalities."

Another official remarked, "By collaborating with private enterprises for events, the strengths of their marketing can combine with the public sector's credibility to ensure success in attracting participants."

Comments from Okayama Prefecture

An official from the Mimasaka office expressed gratitude: "The seminar provided valuable insights into the latest trends in youth relationships and participant recruitment strategies through practical examples. It truly was a fulfilling experience."

Detailed Program Content

The event featured presentations from Masahito Kurumiya, President of Omikare, and Tōji Wakatsuki, Director of Regional Revitalization. The curriculum included two parts:

Part 1: Lecture (50 minutes)

• - Overview of successful collaborations with local governments, including case studies from Okayama Prefecture
• - Insights into the romantic desires and trends among young individuals, especially Generation Z
• - Key strategies for hosting events appealing to the budget-conscious youth

Part 2: Q&A and Discussion (70 minutes)

• - Addressing specific challenges faced by local officials regarding participant recruitment with actionable solutions

Future Outlook

Following the seminar, Omikare reaffirmed its commitment to being a supportive partner for marriage assistance initiatives in collaboration with governments. The company has established a partnership with Okayama Prefecture under the