Konkatsu: Spouse Hunting in Japan

Marriage Hopefuls

Konkatsu in Japan covers a broad range of activities by which singles try to find marriage partners. Often translated as “spouse hunting,” it refers to the use of paid services like dating apps and matchmaking parties. Hopeful brides and grooms can also turn to marriage agencies, which are more expensive but offer more support and provide greater assurance by screening members. Konkatsu includes unpaid activities as well, such as introductions from friends or taking part in informally arranged group dating (gōkon).

The word konkatsu is a shortened version of kekkon katsudō (literally “activities leading to marriage”). It surged to prominence with the 2008 release of the book Konkatsu jidai (The Age of Spouse Hunting) by sociologist Yamada Masahiro and journalist Shirakawa Tōko, who suggested that singles now need to make active efforts if they want to get married.

Good Spouses Hard to Find? Japanese Parents Getting Involved in Matchmaking Events for Children | Nippon.com

Many Japanese singles are looking for love via konkatsu (spouse-hunting) methods like dating apps and marriage agencies, but with a low success rate. Now, a recent trend has seen parents attending matchmaking events on their children’s behalf.

https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/g02602/

(Originally written in English. Banner image © Pixta.)