Following MBTI, Are 'Zodiac Signs' the Next Big Trend for Gen Z? Tinder Hosts Limited-Time Event 'ASTRO CHAT LOUNGE' in Shibuya to Experience New 'Astrology Mode'

Tinder® has announced the hosting of a limited-time event where users can experience the world of its new feature 'Astrology Mode', announced in March 2026, in real life.

According to Tinder user data (*1), an increasing number of Gen Z users (aged 18-25) in Japan are including words related to 'zodiac signs' in their profiles. The use of keywords such as '12 zodiac signs', 'zodiac sign', 'horoscope', and 'which sign' increased by approximately 108% from 2024 to 2025. In particular, the use of the single word 'zodiac sign' increased by about 175%, indicating a significant rise in interest in astrology among Gen Z. The 'Astrology Mode', born against the backdrop of these trends, allows users to check a potential match's zodiac sign and compatibility on their profile, providing an opportunity to discover commonalities that cannot be seen from appearance or conventional profile information alone.

To commemorate the launch of 'Astrology Mode', a limited-time event titled 'ASTRO CHAT LOUNGE - A conversation starter beginning with astrology' will be held at OPENBASE SHIBUYA for five days from Thursday, June 18 to Monday, June 22, 2026.

Currently, Tinder offers four modes, including 'Astrology Mode', alongside 'For You', 'Double Date', and 'Music Mode', each providing experiences to enjoy meeting people from different perspectives.

Comment from Claire Watanabe, VP of Product:

'The way younger generations connect is changing significantly right now. Shared hobbies, values, personalities, and even astrology are becoming ways to express oneself and act as conversation starters.

Features like Double Date, Music Mode, and Astrology Mode were designed to make new encounters more natural, authentic, and lower-pressure. Having a shared topic that isn't apparent just from photos or profile information provides a conversation starter that helps users understand compatibility more naturally.

Furthermore, through initial testing, we saw that astrology is being enjoyed not to strictly judge someone, but as a "reason to want to talk first". Therefore, Astrology Mode is designed not to limit potential partners based solely on compatibility, but as a feature to naturally and enjoyably broaden the scope of connections.'

■ Astrology as a 'Common Language' for Gen Z, Not Just 'Fortune Telling'

Zodiac signs and astrology, which have seen growing interest among Gen Z in recent years, are embraced as one of the topics for connection among this generation. In Tinder's annual year-end report, 'Year In Swipe™ 2025', they globally announced the 'most attractive zodiac signs of Tinder users'. Astrology is starting to penetrate Gen Z not as a 'hit or miss' fortune-telling exercise, but as a tool for self-understanding and communication, gaining attention after MBTI personality tests as a means of considering 'who am I' and 'how should I interact with others'. It is utilized not simply to know 'today's fortune', but as a tool to understand one's own way of thinking and relationships with others through the results.

Comment from professional astrologer, Luca:

'We have more Gen Z clients than before, and I feel many are enjoying and utilizing astrology as a hint to understand love, relationships, and themselves. Especially in romance, it's often used as a prompt to consider "how should I approach this person", and I think they are drawn to the detailed insights it provides regarding their strengths, aptitudes, love, marriage, and future predictions. Like MBTI, it is likely being embraced as one of the tools to understand one's identity and relationships with others.'

■ 'Zodiac Signs' as Part of the Profile

Furthermore, for Gen Z, astrology is utilized as part of their profile to express themselves.

For example, it is used on profiles as a means of verbalizing one's personality and values, as hints for compatibility and communication with others, and as a common topic to start a conversation.

Tinder's 'Astrology Mode' is designed as a new approach to expand dating opportunities based on these trends. Initial testing globally, including in Japan, showed an approximately 20% increase in Likes sent by female users to profiles that had set their zodiac information (*2).

■ Astrology as a 'Common Language' Before a Date

In reality, astrology is utilized among Gen Z even in matching and dating scenarios. Activities include noting their zodiac sign on their profile, discussing 'whether we are compatible signs', and