While the media has definitely made it appear as if Japanese people are simply dying to fall in love with people all over the world, we want to point out that finding a relationship in Japan is extremely difficult even if you live there.  Not many Japanese speak other languages, the Japanese are still skeptical of the gaijins, the society is not too kind to those Japanese who take non-Japanese spouses, and the cultural differences are simply too deep to make the relationships go smoothly.  While many western men continue to believe that Japanese women are docile and obedient, the reality is very different, leading to disappointments, frustrations, and even divorce.

While there are barriers and challenges, a large number of people do find love in Japan.  Many of them are happily married while others leave Japan with sweet memories.  As a guide, MYNIPPON brings you the tips to find love in Japan, based on interviews with Japanese who have entered into romantic relationships with non-Japanese. (Related:  Dating Japanese women during Japan trip)

What are Japanese people like?

It should be pointed out right away that Japanese people are extremely shy.  While surfing the web you might get an impression that Japanese women are so open and cool, considering the ease with which they take their clothes off, the reality is that Japanese people simply do not talk to strangers (and definitely not if they are non-Japanese trying to speak a few words of Japanese).  Eye-contact and casual conversations are simply no-no.  While in any other country, you can simply go to a local bar and hope to meet someone, this is unlikely to work in Japan.  This is exactly the way business is also done in Japan.  You need someone to introduce you.  Thus, first try to make some friends who can get you invitations to go to parties or cultural events.  (Related:  Making love to a Japanese man)

Secondly, saving face (Latino men, Japanese women) is such an important part of life in Japan.  Since Japanese men are so afraid of being rejected that they will rarely make an attempt to ask a woman out.  Similarly, women are afraid to make the first move because most Japanese women suffer from an acute fear that they are not pretty or attractive enough for men.  The outcome - it is very difficult to find a lover in Japan.  It is a vicious circle and no one seems to know what to do about it though several techniques have been tried.

Japanese people are also very committed to their jobs, and thus, do not have the time that it takes to find a relationship.  It is often said of the Japanese that they do not necessarily seek relationships for the sake of emotional fulfillment.  Accordingly,  they may not bother too much with finding love and just pay for company or have casual friendship with a colleague which does not have the same taboo as it does in other parts of the world.  Thus, Japanese do have physical intimacy, it is just not with someone that they need to fall in love first.