Maezawa from the Corporate Planning Department here as well.
According to women who have used dating apps, they found relationship clubs appealing because, although going through an interview was a hassle, dating apps could be scary. They’d heard stories of people being held at hotels—apparently not physically, but psychologically—and the more they heard from friends involved in papa-katsu (compensated dating in Japan), the more frightened they became.
They were willing to meet someone for dinner, but worried about what might happen afterward, so they couldn’t take things further unless they had become very close and trusted the person. And becoming that close was difficult.
So they felt relationship clubs were safer because someone was involved in the process as an intermediary.
From the men’s perspective, I often hear that they can send countless likes and match with people, yet still struggle to meet. Even after finally setting a date, the woman may stop replying on the day itself. Or, when they do meet, it turns out she’s working for a delivery escort service.
It takes up a lot of time, isn’t enjoyable, and feels like a waste of time.
If you have plenty of free time and are mentally tough, dating apps may work for you. But for people who don’t want to waste time, saying that you can “buy time with money” may be overstating it, but Universe seems to be the better option.
Dating apps generally favor younger people, so I feel young men—those in their twenties or younger—may still be able to enjoy using them.
I’m Saito, a column writer ♪
I think verifying people’s identities is essential after all. There are also limits to using an app to judge your own level.
You can still have bad experiences with a dating club, but I think apps lead to several times more failed encounters.
I once tried using an app, and some completely incomprehensible foreigner showed up. LOL.
I’m だて◎ゆめ, a male member.
I’ve tried using an app briefly too.
It’s a hassle.
You have no idea whether someone’s genuine or a fake profile, you get charged right away, and it’s exhausting.
I decided it was a waste of time and quit pretty quickly (lol).
