A service that provides a special atmosphere and supporting theatrics for marriage proposals on board an Osaka Bay cruise ship has established an outstanding success rate: 100 percent of the plan's male users receive a "yes" when they pop the big question.
Under the Cinderella Plan, offered on board the 2,138-ton cruiser Concerto since last summer, the hopeful young man and the crew prearrange a particular moment during the cruise that will provide the most scenic backdrop for his proposal.
If the proposal is accepted--and all 37 couples to use the plan to date have become engaged--the couple is congratulated with a toast, applause and a live musical performance.
Kobe Cruiser Co., based in Kobe, which operates the Concerto, introduced the plan after fielding frequent requests from male guests to assist in proposals, such as having wait staff bring the ring to the table after dinner, or decorating the table with their partner's favorite flowers.
When the ship nears the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, linking Akashi to Awajishima island, both in Hyogo Prefecture, male guests using the Cinderella Plan receive a secret signal from a crew member, a cue to take their girlfriend to the deck and make a starlit proposal.
When the newly engaged gent gives a thumbs- up signal, crew members bring out glasses of wine for a celebratory toast and sweets decorated with a message of congratulations.
A musical performance by a live band caps off the magical moment. The cruise lasts an hour and 45 minutes, and costs 30,000 yen to 50,000 yen per couple.
Ryota Morioka, 19, of Nagata Ward, Kobe, used the service in February when he asked Haruna Hashimoto, 20, to marry him. He won her hand onboard the ship, and they plan to marry in September.