From Singapore★ Japanese "Overseas Matchmaking": The Grand Operation Across the Seas
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The speed dating event lasted about two hours.
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Against the backdrop of increasing numbers of Japanese with overseas experience through study abroad, work assignments, or employment, Singapore hosted its first matchmaking event specifically for Japanese nationals in December. Targeting Japanese men residing in Singapore and Japanese women living in Japan or overseas, the event launched a transoceanic matchmaking campaign centered on the keywords "being fellow Japanese" and "sharing overseas experiences." This was reported by NNA, which distributes economic information across Asia.
Over the two-day event, approximately 25 women and 25 men participated each day, totaling about 100 attendees. All male participants resided in Singapore. Among the women, slightly less than half lived in Japan, with the rest primarily residing in Singapore, China, and other countries in the region.
"There's no need to limit job hunting or marriage hunting to Japan," stated Tatsuwo Moriyama, an overseas employment researcher and one of the event organizers. His motivation stemmed from hearing Japanese expatriates across Asia express a lack of opportunities to meet Japanese partners. With budget airlines drastically reducing travel costs and the proliferation of internet and smartphones enhancing communication, he believes the environment for "overseas marriage hunting" is now well-established.
According to another organizer, Naoko Matsumoto, head of the international marriage service Kaiwa-USA, an increasing number of Japanese women have experience studying abroad, working overseas, or at foreign companies. Many of these women feel a "discrepancy in values" with Japanese men who only have work experience within Japan.
Ms. Matsumoto agreed with Mr. Moriyama's idea of "overseas matchmaking events exclusively for Japanese people." For the event location, they chose Singapore, a country generally viewed positively by Japanese women.
After promoting the event through their respective websites, blogs, and Twitter, they attracted more participants than expected. The event featured a "speed dating" session on the first day where all participants met face-to-face, followed by a "lunchtime networking session" on the second day for free conversation.
Participants filled out checklists listing their preferred matches. After the event, the organizers sent email addresses to couples who had mutual interest.
The participation fee was S$150 (about ¥12,300) for one day and S$250 for two days for Singapore residents. For women participating from Japan, the cost including accommodation was ¥48,000.
A Japanese participant commented, "Perhaps because I studied abroad, I tend to express my opinions clearly. Men sometimes tell me I'm too assertive. I think men with overseas experience would understand me better."
After the event, a participating man commented, "Since it's an event where people gather with marriage in mind, it's good that we can freely discuss values and preferences." He stated he hopes to find a Japanese wife in preparation for his eventual return to Japan.
Female participants residing in Singapore also shared positive reactions: "Despite there being quite a few Japanese residents, I feel there are fewer opportunities to meet people than in Japan. I've been looking for an event like this," and "I think being able to share the hardships of living overseas with each other is a chance to deepen our bond."
The organizers expressed enthusiasm for planning more "overseas matchmaking" events in the future.
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