Speed Dating in Japan

Alternatively, company bosses used to take on the role of matchmaker for their staff, although this is rare now. Furthermore, modern Japanese women are able to find well-paid careers, so their economic need for a husband is less pressing. Yet the desire for romance means that many people are willing to pay for professional help in finding a partner.

And local governments in Japan are prepared to provide financial support for the businesses that organise dating events as part of its efforts to tackle what it sees as a major social problem. The economic effects are everywhere. Schools that were once full of baby boomers are now being closed down owing to a lack of children - more than 2,000 over the past decade alone. As the population ages, more strain is being placed on the state pension system. "One of Japan's problems is that so few children are being born," says Mr Saeki, president of Exeo. "That's why the local governments are coming up with incentives to encourage people to get married and give birth. The aim of our business is to help people."

Adapted from BBC Business News April 26th 2006

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