#Japan #Tokyo #Women Empowerment #IBJ #Marriage Hunting

Overview of the 'Support Project for Women in Marriage Hunting'

The landscape of the marriage hunting market in Japan has seen significant transformations over the past five years. Currently, the proportion of male members has surpassed that of female members, a shift from the previous ratio where females were the majority. IBJ, the leading company in creating successful marriages within this sector, has recognized this change and initiated the 'Support Project for Women in Marriage Hunting' to empower women in this evolving dating environment.

The project, which will run from June 1 to August 31, 2026, collaborates with over 4,700 marriage consultation offices partnered with IBJ. The main goal is to support women through various phases of meeting potential partners, dating, and ultimately leading to successful marriages.

Background: Shifting Gender Ratios

At the end of 2020, the membership ratio was 54% female and 46% male, but by 2024, this had reversed, resulting in 54% male and 46% female members. This change signifies an increasing number of women taking a proactive role in choosing their partners, an essential shift in societal norms.

The traditional view of women as the ones who are selected has given way to a mindset where women are empowered to select their potential partners actively. This new paradigm facilitates an environment where women, focused on personal values and life preferences, can independently engage in the marriage hunting process. IBJ aims to leverage these social changes through its latest initiative, maximizing opportunities for women to meet and marry.

Project Initiatives

The 'Support Project for Women in Marriage Hunting' will provide women with various forms of assistance throughout their marriage hunting journey. Participating consultation offices will develop unique programs that cater specifically to their region's characteristics and member needs. The project includes three main phases:

1. Creating Opportunities for Participation (Membership and Preparation Phase)
- Offering beauty-related benefits at the time of enrollment and launching campaigns targeted at women interested in marriage hunting.
- Enhancing the dissemination of marriage-related information and conducting skill-based seminars.

2. Facilitating Meetings and Supporting Activities (Matchmaking and Dating Phase)
- Support from dedicated consultants in crafting profiles and facilitating match requests.
- Hosting feedback sessions after matchmaking and individual counseling sessions for dating-related challenges.

3. Supporting Marriage Motivation Maintenance (Marriage Phase)
- Organizing interaction events for members who have successfully married (e.g., women's gatherings).
- Conducting regular meetings and forming support communities to maintain motivation.

Expected Outcomes

Through this project, IBJ anticipates several positive outcomes:

• - An increase in female membership numbers.
• - Expanded opportunities for matchmaking sessions.
• - Maximized chances of successful marriages.
• - Increased overall numbers of successful marriages.

Research conducted in conjunction with the University of Tokyo's Market Design Center has indicated that an uplift in the female member ratio within this platform dramatically increases matching opportunities for both genders. Thus, the initiative aims not only to invigorate the marriage hunting market but also to enhance the overall number of marriages.

Future Prospects

The project will undergo assessment through to August 31, 2026, with the possibility of rolling out successful initiatives to other member consultation offices. IBJ is committed to continuously improving marriage support services and refining the quality of its offerings to maximize marriage success rates.

Through this initiative, IBJ aims to create an environment where more people can actively seek marriage opportunities, contributing proactively to addressing Japan's pressing social issue of declining population.

About IBJ

Founded in 2000 and registered as a corporation in 2006, IBJ stands as a leader in the marriage hunting market, consistently creating the highest number of successful marriages in Japan. By combining personalized support with technological advancements, IBJ offers a comprehensive network of services aimed not only at marriage but also at fostering a happy life post-marriage. The company is dedicated to supporting sustainable societal development through the power of relationships.