#Japan #Tokyo #Dating Trends #Mental Performance #Omiai App

Exploring Mental Performance in Modern Matchmaking

In the realm of dating, particularly through apps like Omiai, there's a noteworthy focus on a new concept termed 'Mental Performance' or 'Menpa.' This underscores the growing significance of reducing psychological burdens such as doubts, anxieties, and regrets for dating seekers. A recent survey by Omiai has highlighted how users feel about expressing their individuality and how that impacts their dating choices.

The survey, titled 'Perception Survey on Expressing Individuality in Matching Apps,' involved 1,725 users of Omiai across Japan. A staggering 86.3% of participants indicated that profiles alone fail to effectively convey the essence of an individual, leading to a significant 22.9% increase in the difficulty of deciding whether to meet or not. Among those who had previously broken off relationships with encounters made via the app, 53.3% expressed regret, wishing they had understood their partner's values and thoughts beforehand to avoid the breakup.

The Importance of Mental Performance

The rising trend of 'Menpa' emphasizes the need to reduce decision-making stress and foster a state of understanding in dating. Users face the challenge of assessing potential partners based solely on limited information found in profiles, which often feature photos and basic data. As marketing head Kawauchi noted, the psychological burden associated with decision-making increases when there's insufficient material to make a well-informed choice.

In this context, the essential question becomes how to lower the cognitive load before a meeting. The clarity of information regarding an individual's character and quirks can greatly affect the ease with which choices are made.

Challenges with Decision-Making

Kawauchi remarked that the struggle to decide whether to meet someone isn't simply due to indecisiveness. Instead, it stems from the absence of adequate information that facilitates a confident judgment. The survey's results indicated that those who found it hard to see a person’s individuality were 22.9% more likely to struggle with the decision of whether to meet or not. To alleviate this decision fatigue, enhancing the quality of information available prior to an interaction is paramount.

Insights on Shared Values

Understanding shared values and perspectives in advance can decisively influence the meeting decision, which underscores the essence of 'Menpa.' The recent findings indicate that greater awareness of one's values can transform the decision-making process significantly, affecting the overall psychological burden experienced during these encounters.

Additionally, for those with breakup experiences from relationships initiated via the app, a significant 53.3% voiced that prior knowledge could have prevented those separations, indicating that initial mutual understanding is fundamental in avoiding misunderstandings later.

Issues Surrounding Regrets

Analyzing the sources of regret reveals that they often pertain to fundamental life perspectives rather than mere preferences. Topics such as views on love and marriage, future expectations, financial perspectives, and communication styles frequently arise as areas of concern. Despite being challenging to discuss, these topics are deeply intertwined with one’s individuality, and having opportunities for natural conversation can facilitate increased mutual understanding.

Conclusion

As illustrated by the survey, the difficulty in conveying individuality can complicate dating decisions, leading to increased cognitive burden. By focusing on improving pre-meeting information related to someone’s uniqueness, dating apps such as Omiai aim to create a more gratifying experience that alleviates psychological burdens. This shift encapsulates the evolving landscape of matchmaking, where 'Menpa' becomes a critical factor in fostering meaningful connections and reducing the mental costs associated with dating.

Survey Overview

• - Survey Name: Perception Survey on Expressing Individuality in Matching Apps
• - Conducted: January 2026
• - Participants: 1,725 users of the Omiai app (all unmarried)
• - Conducted by: Omiai app team

About Omiai

Launched in February 2012 in Japan, Omiai is a pioneering dating app designed for serious relationships. It primarily serves users in their 30s seeking meaningful connections with a focus on genuine personalities parsed from their life experiences. With tools that illustrate individuality, Omiai is committed to enhancing user experiences, promoting safe dating environments through transparent practices and innovative technology.