The Rise of IT Professionals in the Marriage Market
In a recent seminar held on May 30, 2025, at Tokyo Culture Culture in Shibuya, Kikkake Creation Co., and IBJ Inc. collaborated to shed light on the increasing attractiveness of IT professionals in the marriage market. The event, titled "IT Engineer's Attraction and Career Enhancement Seminar," was designed based on results from a joint survey aimed at understanding the desirable traits sought in male IT professionals. According to the survey, IT-related occupations ranked as the second most popular choice for an ideal marriage partner, falling just behind public servants.
Background and Purpose of the Seminar
The seminar was a response to the findings of the survey that suggested IT professionals are gaining traction as desirable partners. Conducted by Kikkake Agent and IBJ, the survey included responses from 448 unmarried women aged 20 to 40. The results highlighted that 268 women prefer an IT-related occupation, demonstrating the growing appreciation for the stability and potential for future growth associated with these jobs. Moreover, respondents expressed expectations regarding stable income, participation in household duties, and a balanced work-life dynamic for men in IT roles.
This prompted the organizers to frame the seminar around the theme of "Marriage x Career," focusing on self-reflection and the exploration of individual strengths and charm from both romantic and professional perspectives.
Key Discussions at the Event
The seminar featured a panel discussion led by a former algorithm developer from a dating app and a career support expert for IT engineers. They delved into topics surrounding the intriguing intersection of marriage and career for IT professionals. Participants engaged in lively discussions and exchanged valuable insights during the networking segment that followed.
One key speaker, Yusuke Fukushige, the CEO of Noahlogy Co., highlighted the importance of job titles in matching scenarios, stating that a professional's role significantly influences their matching success.
"In my ten years of experience analyzing dating app data, I have seen that job titles are a crucial factor in improving matching accuracy," said Fukushige, further explaining that beyond the job itself, the corresponding work style, income level, and values associated with that profession stand out.
Fukushige noted that IT professionals, who often have less job relocation and stable high incomes, may signal reliability, significantly boosting their attractiveness in the marriage market.
Income and Work-Life Balance
While income was recognized as an essential variable influencing match potential, high earnings alone do not guarantee success in finding a partner. The discussions revealed a preference among respondents for potential spouses with an annual income in the 500,000 to 600,000 yen range rather than those earning over one million yen, emphasizing that balance between work and life is more critical than mere financial figures.
Additionally, participants were found to be less concerned about their partner's employer, with over 32% expressing no strong preference. This insight shared by Fukushige showed that what truly matters is whether a partner's lifestyle aligns with their own.
The Importance of Self-Analysis and Niche Strategies
Fukushige stressed that successful matches on dating apps rely heavily on self-awareness. "Your profile acts like a CV. If you can accurately present who you are while using the app, the AI will optimize the rest," he remarked, underscoring the need for candidates to define themselves thoroughly to avoid mismatches.
Subsequently, the discussion led to strategies, encouraging participants to focus on niches rather than a broad appeal during their search for love, highlighting that clarifying must-have and flexible conditions could streamline their search for compatible partners.
Closing Remarks by Key Speakers
The seminar wrapped up with practical advice on enhancing both attractiveness and career expectations among IT professionals. Fukushige reiterated, "It's vital to consider not only your current self but also who you want to be ten years down the line. Analyzing your options with a partner helps provide clarity."
Moro Junichiro, Vice President of Kikkake Creation, encouraged attendees, stating that an array of possibilities is available for IT engineers. However, he emphasized the importance of taking action amidst clarity of goals.
IBJ's department head, Momoko Kawakami, shared insights on the impressive success rate of IT professionals, stating that 51.7% have a positive outcome in the marriage market according to their 2024 report. They reflect a reliable image as partners due to their stable income and flexible job arrangements.
Despite this positive outlook, she pointed out concerns about the image of IT professionals, which can often be perceived as distant or introverted. The challenge lies in effectively communicating their strengths, which if not conveyed correctly, could undermine their appeal.
Final Thoughts and Future Directions
The seminar showcased that while IT professionals are recognized as highly sought-after partners, self-presentation, emotional intelligence, and strategic action are equally critical components for cultivating successful relationships. Kikkake Creation plans to continue initiatives that support IT engineers in both their careers and personal lives, offering further events and programs to help individuals recognize and harness their appeal in both markets.
The event highlighted an emerging trend where IT professionals are seen not just as tech-savvy individuals but as viable and attractive marriage partners, reinforcing the importance of personal branding and effective communication techniques in the modern dating landscape.
Seminar Feedback
The seminar attracted around 50 IT engineers predominantly in their 20s to 30s, fostering vibrant discussions. Participants expressed that the focus on self-analysis was eye-opening, and the unique approach to the themes discussed received favorable feedback, indicating a successful exploration of the intersection between IT careers and romantic relationships.