New Challenge in Dating Apps: 'Cultural Gap Fatigue.' Yoitoki Supports Resolving Misunderstandings in International Dating through AI Value-Based Matching

Yoitoki, a next-generation dating app operated by OLA PARTY JAPAN, Inc. (HQ: Minato-ku, Tokyo) that provides advanced AI technology and sincere value-based matching, has conducted a survey on the realities of 'cultural gap fatigue,' an emerging challenge in international and multicultural dating.

The results indicate that many individuals interested in dating foreigners experience misunderstandings due to 'differences in values and cultural backgrounds' rather than language proficiency.

## Development Background: The Rise of the 'Cultural Gap' in International Dating
The number of foreign residents in Japan is increasing every year, surpassing 4 million by the end of 2025. As Japanese society becomes more international, encounters across nationalities in love and marriage are becoming commonplace. According to population statistics from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, international marriage exists to a certain extent in Japan, and international partnerships are becoming a part of society. However, relationships often fail due to cultural differences, such as perceptions of messaging frequency, methods of expressing affection, dating culture, spending habits, and attitudes toward marriage. In particular, recent concerns such as 'English is understood, but feelings are not,' and 'there are differences in values that cannot be overcome by love alone' are gaining attention as new challenges in multicultural dating.

These realities were highlighted in a proprietary survey conducted by Yoitoki in June 2026 (N=200, single men and women aged 20-40).

### Survey Results
- 74.0% answered they have experienced misunderstandings in relationships due to cultural differences.
- 68.5% answered they have been confused by differences in messaging frequency or communication styles.
- 71.0% answered they want to know the partner's values and views on dating before dating.
- 76.5% answered they would use a system that allows understanding cultural backgrounds in advance.
- 62.5% answered they are interested in dating foreigners but also feel anxious.

These results show that while many users find international dating attractive, they also harbor anxieties about cultural misunderstandings.

## 'Cultural Understanding' is Harder Than Language Skills
While language proficiency is often the focus of international dating, differences in values and lifestyle habits can be major obstacles to sustaining a relationship. For example, the way the same behavior is perceived differs significantly between someone who considers daily contact natural and someone who thinks contact is only necessary when needed. Furthermore, views on dating itself, such as the culture of beginning a relationship with the intent of marriage versus the culture of enjoying dating first, vary significantly by country and region. Starting a relationship without knowing these backgrounds easily leads to misunderstandings, even when neither party intends to cause offense.

## Yoitoki's Vision: 'Dating After Understanding Culture'
Yoitoki aims to realize encounters based on multicultural understanding, not just international matching.

1. Multicultural Profile
Users can share not only nationality but also languages used, living experience, cultural background, religion, and lifestyle habits on their profiles.
2. Value Matching Function
By visualizing perspectives on dating, marriage, and future planning in advance, it reduces mismatches caused by cultural differences.
3. Encounters with Global Users
It provides an environment to meet not only Japanese users but also users from around the world, creating opportunities to be exposed to diverse values.

## Outlook: Connecting Through 'Understanding' Instead of Nationality
Traditional dating apps have prioritized conditions such as age, location, and hobbies. However, in today's increasingly multicultural world, 'the ability to understand values and cultural backgrounds' is becoming more important than nationality or language. Yoitoki will continue to provide a space where people can build relationships with peace of mind across nationalities and cultures by utilizing AI technology and value matching.

### Survey Overview
- Survey Name: Realities of Dating App Usage
- Conducted by: OLA PARTY JAPAN, Inc.
- Subjects: Single men and women aged 20-40 with experience using dating apps
- Valid responses: 200
- Method: Internet survey
- Period: May 1 to May 14, 2026
(Note: Please cite 'Yoitoki Survey' when referencing these results.)

### Service Overview
- Name: Yoitoki
- Official Site: https://yoitoki.jp/ja/
- Supported Languages: Japanese, English, Korean