Innovative Profile Features by IBJ to Boost Regional Marriage Activities

New Initiatives by IBJ to Enhance Local Marriage Opportunities

As more people are considering relocation as a positive option for their future, the Japanese company IBJ (Incorporated Marriage Partners), renowned for generating the highest marriage rates in Japan, has taken a significant step forward. Under the leadership of CEO Kenjiro Tsuchiya, IBJ is integrating a new feature into member profiles that allows users to express their thoughts on relocating. This addition aims to encourage wider marriage activities across regions.

Rising Interest in Marriage Consultations

In recent years, the demand for marriage consultation services has surged across Japan. However, varying localities often limit opportunities for meaningful connections. Recognizing this challenge, IBJ has implemented a system where members can indicate their thoughts about their future living situation and willingness to relocate within their profiles. This innovation intends to share perspectives on living arrangements before initial meetings, fostering connections that transcend geographical boundaries. The feature will be available starting June 2026, and by the end of that month, around 7,300 members are expected to have responded to the new survey. Notably, about 25% of these respondents express an affirmative consideration towards relocation.

Local Trends in Marriage Activities

Interest in marriage consultations has also seen a noticeable increase in rural areas, significantly rising by 337% in regions like Hokuriku and Koshinetsu, and 321% in Hokkaido and Tohoku compared to 2020. Yet, the persistent issues of population decline and youth outflow continue to limit opportunities for potential partners in these areas. Consequently, creating an environment for wide-area marriage activities that encourages seeking out partners beyond local concerns is increasingly essential.

Changing Values on Living Arrangements

Amid the growth of remote work and diverse lifestyles, attitudes towards living locations are shifting substantially. Many individuals now consider relocating or returning to their hometowns a viable option in their future marital endeavors. Previously, profiles often couldn't convey these aspirations fully, leading to misunderstandings or missed matches based solely on geographic locations.