Reducing the Risks of Youth Meetings with 'Castanet'
The launch of
Castanet, a revolutionary credit information service for dating, aims to minimize the risks associated with young people's relationships. This initiative is spearheaded by the Tokyo-recognized NPO Marriage Consulting, located in Musashino, Tokyo, with development and operation managed by Loginas, a company based in Zushi, Kanagawa. A crowdfunding campaign will begin on
October 12, 2025, emphasizing a commitment to provide a
basic free service for all users.
What is Castanet?
Castanet distinguishes itself with a dedication to providing its services for free. It operates as a web application where registered users can easily connect with potential partners via issued
Castanet IDs or linked social media IDs. Users can exchange online business cards to verify profiles and confirm identities. This includes checking for single status, income, residence, and educational background, assuring users of safe dating experiences.
Internally, users are scored based on criteria they set, with a unique algorithm designed to lower the scores of those who cause trouble, promoting safer interactions and mitigating potential issues before they arise. The platform also emphasizes strong privacy controls, allowing users to customize the visibility of their personal information, ensuring that sensitive data remains secure.
Message from the Chairperson
Kageyama, the chairperson of the NPO Marriage Consulting, shared his motivation behind establishing this foundation in 2013. He reflects on the pressing issue of the aging population and declining birthrate, stating, "If I do nothing, my children will scold me someday..." Understanding the urgent need to address the stagnant marriage rates, he has meticulously worked towards supporting individuals' matrimonial pursuits, particularly for those affected by Japan's employment crisis.
With over a decade of experience, Kageyama is genuinely concerned as he observes the current dating landscape for the younger generation. "Today, kids primarily seek partners through dating apps. But are these platforms really safe? The pervasive culture of embellishment—where individuals exaggerate their height, weight, and salary—is alarming," he notes. Moreover, the normalization of cosmetic surgery and questionable identities on social media platforms present serious concerns for safety.
He expresses dissatisfaction with existing dating app operators who prioritize profit over user safety. He believes that even if a handful of users can provide proof of their unmarried status, it doesn't guarantee a secure dating environment. Kageyama highlights the necessity of creating a healthy, secure space for children to engage in natural romantic relationships, which is precisely the goal of Castanet.
Continuing, he states, "For Castanet to thrive, the basic free service model is crucial. We're committed to ensuring that every individual can access and utilize this platform responsibly. I urge everyone to check out the crowdfunding details and consider supporting this cause to enhance our children’s dating environment!"
Exciting Rewards for Supporters
Launching a crowdfunding initiative brings its own set of challenges, especially when determining rewards. To maximize supporter satisfaction while minimizing excessive costs, Castanet is offering unique merchandise designed to promote awareness of declining birthrates, including:
- - Castanet Man Stickers
- - Acrylic Keychains
- - Original Mugs
- - T-Shirts in two designs (White and Navy)
- - A limited-edition Castanet Man T-Shirt exclusively for crowdfunding backers.
For more details on rewards, please visit the
CAMPFIRE crowdfunding page:
Link.
About the NPO Marriage Consulting
Established in 2013, the
NPO Marriage Consulting actively addresses issues of declining marriage rates and late marriages through grassroots initiatives. The organization has expanded its focus to include supporting unique groups, such as individuals with disabilities and those from non-traditional backgrounds, to ensure inclusivity in marriage consultation services. The organization remains dedicated to not rejecting members based on their conditions, highlighting the essence of their operations.
Learn more about the organization and its efforts through their official website:
NPO Marriage Consulting.