Japanese Dating Agency Suggests Wearing Surgical Masks to People Seeking Love

A dating agency in Japan called Def Anniversary has implemented an unusual strategy for its clients. You see, Def Anniversary requires the participants in their speed-dating events to wear surgical masks.

The dating agency’s representatives told UK-based website Metro that there’s a good reason for this requirement. Apparently, the dating agency has observed that the mask — which covers the bottom half of the face — gives participants a boost in confidence. It gets rid of self-consciousness. Thus, the participants are able to focus on each others’ personalities rather than how their looks.

Interestingly enough, the clients of the dating agency are all willing to wear surgical masks during speed dating events.

Very few Japanese are getting married, so dating agencies are needed.

A Reuters report explained that “dating services are booming in Japan as young people shy from tying the knot.”

The report pointed out that the marriage rate in Japan has decreased by 50 percent over the last 40 years. A 2014 Health Ministry survey revealed that from an average rate of 10 marriages per 1,000 people in 1975, it was down to five marriages per 1,000 people in 2014.

It's easy to focus on one’s personality if you can’t see their face.

Reuters added:

“Young Japanese people brought up in the digital era find face-to-face encounters daunting. Long work hours add another challenge. That’s why a konkatsu — active ‘marriage-seeking activity’ – is often the only option.”

So far, Def Anniversary’s surgical mask tactic is getting good reviews.

Does it really take away the pressure?

A 28-year-old male participant named Yasumasu Kishi shared:

“Since I wasn’t judged by my appearance, I think I was able to be more outgoing with women.”

For her part, Chiharu Tsukahara, a 28-year-old office worker, said:

“I think I was able to find out more about their inner selves and not just judge them by their looks. In this event, personality matters. I quite liked that.”

The trend is called "masked speed dating."

Now, this strikes us as another layer to the concept of “saving face.” If it can also help more Japanese people find love, then it’s all good.