There were 16.7 million single men and 13.2 million single women in 2005. Japan has a population of 128 million.
Who play Cupid?
Parents, relatives, bosses or marriage agencies: Their introductions result in "arranged" marriages, which are declining in number. Since 2000, just over 6 per cent of all marital unions are arranged marriages.
Singles parties: Some of these parties are open only to men from a certain profession or sector such as doctors or employees of blue-chip companies.
Others involve an activity, such as cooking, which helps break the ice.
Local governments: These authorities organise events such as "marriage seminars", which are followed by parties, with the help of dating agencies.
When boy meets girl
In a meeting arranged by a marriage agency, the prospective couple first meet at the agency's office in the presence of an "adviser". They can then go for coffee or a meal to talk and size each other up.
For a more traditional "omiai", the prospective couple typically meet at a Japanese restaurant accompanied by their mothers and perhaps the matchmaker.
After introductions and perhaps a meal, the couple are left alone to chat.
Power of attraction
What the men look for in a woman (in order of importance): Love; character; understanding of one's own work; attitude towards housework and child-raising; and appearance.
What the women look for in a man (in order of importance): Character; love; health; work capability; attitude towards housework and child-raising.
This article was first published in The Straits Times on Aug 23, 2008.
