Hunting for marriage: Inside Japan’s matchmaking crusade

To Koki Goto’s aid, the clouds half by early afternoon and the Hamarikyu Gardens in central Tokyo are doused in sunshine — excellent climate for {couples} to take idyllic strolls across the compound’s immaculately maintained hedges, ponds and lawns.

Twelve nervous women and men have gathered right here on this Sunday in late April for a matchmaking occasion. However earlier than any romantic sparks can fly, they’ll must get to know each other.

“Thanks for attending the meetup right now. I’d like to start by asking everybody to briefly introduce themselves,” Goto says from the far finish of a tatami-floored room in a conventional tea home sitting in a single nook of the gardens. Goto heads a company known as J-konkatu, which is devoted to introducing potential {couples} within the hope that they’ll finally need to tie the knot. The group holds occasions like this at numerous factors all year long.