IBJ Surpasses 100,000 Marriage Meetings for the First Time, Reflecting Changing Attitudes Among Young Adults

IBJ Achieves Milestone in Marriage Meetings

In a remarkable development, IBJ, a prominent marriage consulting agency based in Tokyo, has announced that it surpassed the milestone of 100,000 marriage meetings in May 2026.
This achievement, marking a growth of 14.5% compared to the previous year, is a significant turning point for the agency and reflects changing societal attitudes towards marriage, particularly among younger generations.

Growth in Membership and Success Rates

IBJ, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, holds the title for the highest number of members and successful matches in Japan. Notably, the number of successful matches is significantly higher among those who actively engage in marriage meetings. Recent data revealed that those who married had approximately 2.7 times more meetings compared to those who did not, indicating a strong correlation between the number of meetings and successful outcomes.

As Japan continues to grapple with issues such as declining birth rates and rising numbers of single people, the importance of marriage consulting agencies has become increasingly recognized as vital spaces for meaningful connections.

The Rise of Young Members

One of the most notable trends at IBJ is the sharp increase in participation from individuals in their 20s. Over the past five years, the number of young women joining has nearly doubled, while the number of young men has increased by about 3.4 times. This shift can be attributed to the normalization of dating apps, which have lowered the barriers to seeking connections. Younger individuals show a growing preference for meeting partners who are also keen on marriage, opting for efficient and serious engagement from the outset.

This evolving landscape has established IBJ as a trustworthy option for younger individuals, fostering a sense of security through the verification of profiles and a commitment to quality matches.

Factors Contributing to Increased Matching Opportunities

1. Influx of New Members

The surge in new memberships has played a pivotal role in facilitating more marriage meetings. Between 2017 and 2025, the number of new members grew by 1.7 times, with May 2026 alone seeing 6,899 newly registered members. With over 109,000 active members, the dynamic environment at IBJ has encouraged active participation, leading to more opportunities for matches.

2. Collaborations with Major Agencies

The joining of larger marriage agencies such as O-net in 2024 and Partner Agent in 2025 has widened the pool of potential matches. This collaboration has introduced previously disconnected members to one another, enhancing the overall chances of successful connections and enriching member experiences.