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Tottori Sand Dunes Matching Event 2025

On May 24, 2025, a unique matching event took place at the breathtaking Tottori Sand Dunes, involving a combination of reality and online interactions. Despite the torrential rain, 108 participants showed up, comprising 58 men and 50 women. The event successfully resulted in 28 couples forming, thereby demonstrating the participants' strong enthusiasm despite unfavorable weather conditions.

This event was organized by Omikare, a leading marriage support company in Japan with over 920,000 registered members. Omikare has proven to be a powerhouse in facilitating encounters for relationship seekers through various platforms, including the popular matching app, Omikare Live. The motivation behind the Tottori event stemmed from the persistent low birthrate and increasing unmarried population within the Tottori Prefecture, compelling local authorities to seek novel solutions to engage youth in marriage initiatives.

Background of the Event

The Tottori Prefecture has faced an alarming demographic shift over the past decade, witnessing an approximate deficit of 1,000 births and a rise in the unmarried rate. Consequently, the prefecture has embraced a pioneering approach to tackle these challenges through the launch of the Tottori Encounter Support Center and its ambitious 'Couple Doubling Plan.' This initiative aims to bolster matchmaking and marriage efforts throughout the region, sync closely with Omikare’s vision of “Creating New Encounters – Turning Zero Encounters into One.” In 2024, the two parties formalized their collaboration through a partnership agreement aimed at enhancing matchmaking support in Tottori.

The first initiative arising from this partnership was the matching event at the scenic Sand Dunes, capitalizing on the stunning local scenery to foster relationships. Last year's event at the same location boasted a highly successful matching rate, with nearly 60% of participants successfully pairing up.

Event Day Experience

Contrary to expectations, the event continued as planned despite the heavy downpour. The cancellation rate remained low at 10% overall, with only 3% for male participants, reflecting their remarkable commitment to the matchmaking endeavor. Participants ranged in age, with the average age of males being 31.3 years and females at 29.5 years, suggesting a trend toward younger individuals participating in marriage discussions. The app features allowed for a staggering 806 'likes' exchanged, nearly two and a half times more than last year’s event. Out of these, 142 matched successfully and many attendees utilized both video and audio to deepen interactions during free time.

In the free time sessions, despite some individuals struggling to find a match, they enjoyed recreational activities and sweets together, demonstrating the event's emphasis on social interaction. Collaborative efforts ensured participants had a well-rounded experience, with Araki Naomi, a marriage consultant and advisor at the event, actively facilitating interactions between genders to foster networking. The excitement culminated in a traditional 'Hope Bell' ringing for matched couples, with the exchanged approach cards symbolizing budding relationships.

Participant Feedback

Post-event surveys revealed high satisfaction among attendees, with 75% expressing either 'very satisfied' or 'somewhat satisfied' with their experience. Notably, only 4% indicated they would not want to attend future events, and 66% showed a strong desire to participate again, which reflects promising prospects for the organizers and the participants alike. The engagement was noticeably buoyed by the delicious local sweets, notably the “Suna Purin,” and the unique “Rental Umbrella Race” which encouraged mixing among guests despite the rain.

Comments from participants included strong praises of the effort developing connections, with many acknowledging that they met individuals they might never cross paths with otherwise. Additionally, more than 44% of attendants noted that their intention to marry increased significantly due to the event, directly aligning with the objective of fostering marriage interest among youth.

Future Initiatives by Omikare

The success of the Tottori Sand Dunes Matching Event 2025, held in partnership with the Tottori Prefecture, sets a robust foundation for further engagements. Omikare plans to build on this momentum, blending real-life and online interactions through a 'Matching 4.0' initiative aimed at nurturing meaningful connections for those seeking marriage. Upcoming activities in collaboration with the region will comprise various seminars and events supporting youth marriage intent, as well as enhancing collaborations with different stakeholders involved in relationship-building ventures. Additionally, a large-scale matching event in the Yonago area is slated for September, with details forthcoming and anticipated by many.

For more information on the ongoing collaborations between Omikare and Tottori Prefecture and their future initiatives, please refer to their detailed press release.