https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/-/2096398?display=1
A growing number of Korean men are now seeking marriage with Japanese women through matchmaking in Japan. What lies behind this trend? We followed one such matchmaking event closely.
Ha Kyung-min
"I work in research and development at a Korean airplane manufacturing company."
Introducing himself in halting Japanese is Ha Kyung-min (35), a Korean man who traveled to Japan for a matchmaking meeting with a Japanese woman. He has been studying Japanese specifically for this occasion.
The venue for the meeting is a matcha café, popular among women.
"Cool! So this is what you work on."
He presents a fighter jet badge related to his job as a gift, showcasing his appeal.
The costs, including marriage agency fees, travel expenses to Japan, and hair styling, exceed 1 million yen. He says he will visit Japan multiple times a year until he finds a marriage partner. Why go to such lengths?
Ha Kyung-min, visiting Japan for matchmaking
"In Korean marriage culture, it’s expected for the man to provide a house. Buying a house without a loan would mean waiting until I’m 40."
Mr. Ha wants to marry in his 30s and live in Korea, but in Korea, cultural norms generally require men to provide a house. With his current savings, marriage seems challenging.
This led Mr. Ha to believe that Japanese women may have fewer financial expectations of men, prompting him to pursue a partner in Japan.
In fact, the number of Korean men engaging in matchmaking in Japan is rapidly increasing.
by 100rad