Matching Apps Established as a 'Common Way to Meet': Changes in Pre-meeting Communication (2022-2026 Comparison)
A joint study by Omiai and Parasol reveals that matching apps have become mainstream in Japan. Social acceptance has grown, and users increasingly prefer 'video dates' to ensure compatibility before meeting.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 27, 2026 at 22:09
- 🔍 Collected: April 27, 2026 at 13:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 03:11 (13h 39m after Collected)
Omiai, a matching app operated by Omiai Co., Ltd. (HQ: Shibuya, Tokyo; CEO: Yoshiki Imai), in collaboration with 'Love/Marriage Lab,' a marketing research institution for unmarried men and women operated by Parasol Co., Ltd. (HQ: Minato, Tokyo; President: Saki Ito), conducted a longitudinal survey of Omiai users to compare and analyze changes from 2022 to 2026.
The results show that the penetration of matching apps among surrounding peers has progressed steadily, with approximately 50% of people sharing their app usage with others across all years. Furthermore, reactions from surroundings were more positive in 2026 compared to 2023. In terms of user behavior, there was a trend toward deepening communication more cautiously but efficiently, such as an increase in people incorporating phone or online dates before the first in-person meeting. This suggests that matching apps have settled into a 'familiar meeting option' and styles of use are evolving in a more natural and positive direction.
Summary of Findings:
1. Steady spread of app penetration: The group feeling that 'about half of my peers use apps' increased from 18.6% to 22.0%.
2. Disclosing app usage is established: About 60% of users tell those around them they use the app, indicating a shift away from hiding usage.
3. More positive social reactions: Positive responses rose from 55.6% in 2023 to 61.7% in 2026, while negative ones dropped significantly.
4. Shorter messaging before inviting to a date: The group that invites after '5 to 10 exchanges' increased, showing a preference for 'time performance' (Tai-pa).
5. Increase in pre-meeting phone/online dates: Those using video or phone calls rose from 22.7% to 29.0%, highlighting a desire to check vibes and prevent mismatches.
In conclusion, matching apps are no longer seen as special or taboo but as a general option for finding partners. User behavior is adapting to balance efficiency with mental safety, using technology to bridge the gap before physical meetings.
The results show that the penetration of matching apps among surrounding peers has progressed steadily, with approximately 50% of people sharing their app usage with others across all years. Furthermore, reactions from surroundings were more positive in 2026 compared to 2023. In terms of user behavior, there was a trend toward deepening communication more cautiously but efficiently, such as an increase in people incorporating phone or online dates before the first in-person meeting. This suggests that matching apps have settled into a 'familiar meeting option' and styles of use are evolving in a more natural and positive direction.
Summary of Findings:
1. Steady spread of app penetration: The group feeling that 'about half of my peers use apps' increased from 18.6% to 22.0%.
2. Disclosing app usage is established: About 60% of users tell those around them they use the app, indicating a shift away from hiding usage.
3. More positive social reactions: Positive responses rose from 55.6% in 2023 to 61.7% in 2026, while negative ones dropped significantly.
4. Shorter messaging before inviting to a date: The group that invites after '5 to 10 exchanges' increased, showing a preference for 'time performance' (Tai-pa).
5. Increase in pre-meeting phone/online dates: Those using video or phone calls rose from 22.7% to 29.0%, highlighting a desire to check vibes and prevent mismatches.
In conclusion, matching apps are no longer seen as special or taboo but as a general option for finding partners. User behavior is adapting to balance efficiency with mental safety, using technology to bridge the gap before physical meetings.