Konkatsu: Spouse Hunting in Japan
The piece explains how konkatsu names the increasingly deliberate, organized search for a marriage partner in contemporary Japan, ranging from informal introductions to paid matchmaking services.
Konkatsu: Spouse Hunting in Japan. Guide to Japan Society. English - Japanese - Simplified Chinese - Traditional Chinese - French - Spanish - Arabic - Russian. Marriage Hopefuls.
Konkatsu: Spouse Hunting in Japan Guideto Japan Society- English - 日本語 - 简体字 - 繁體字 - Français - Español - العربية - Русский Marriage Hopefuls
In Japan, konkatsu encompasses a wide range of activities through which single people seek a marriage partner. Often translated as “spouse hunting,” the term refers to the use of paid services such as dating apps and matchmaking parties. Prospective brides and grooms may also turn to marriage agencies, which are more expensive but offer more extensive support and greater reassurance by screening their members. Konkatsu also includes unpaid forms of activity, such as introductions by friends or participation in informally organized group dates, known as gōkon.
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 an abbreviation of kekkon katsudō, literally “activities leading to marriage.” It came sharply into public view with the publication in 2008 of Konkatsu jidai, or The Age of Spouse Hunting, by sociologist Yamada Masahiro and journalist Shirakawa Tōko, who argued that single people now have to make active efforts if they wish to marry.
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.