Leading points checked out in a partner during online marriage dates in Japan 2021

According to a survey conducted in February 2021 asking Japanese singles what they paid attention to when meeting someone in a matchmaking video call, around 78 percent regarded their opposite's aura as particularly important. Other points often focused on were the dating partner's way of expressing themselves as well as the conversation's substance. Overall, respondents were significantly less observant in regard to outer appearance when compared to in-person matchmaking dates.
Rooted in a traditional Japanese matchmaking custom, in which potential spouses were introduced to each other in their families' company, the term omiai nowadays refers to a rather organized dating process directed at people actively looking to get married. Amid social distancing measures implemented due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, popular Japanese omiai agencies such as IBJ have started offering their dating services online, with clients meeting each other via video calls.