Yesterday, December 15, was designated as World Otaku Day by the Internet, a day to celebrate our 2D-loving lifestyle. It was a good excuse to hold オタクのための婚活 otaku no tame no konkatsu, or activities to help otaku-minded single people meet potential partners for dating and marriage. In today’s stressed-out world it can be hard to find time for dating, a phenomenon which contributes to Japan’s low birthrate and high number of people who are just plain lonely. To help combat the problem, both private companies, as well as various municipalities around Japan, have embraced 婚活 konkatsu, lit. “marriage activities,” which are structured programs to help singles interact with each other in the hopes that some will hit it off. Since otakus get lonely too, companies like the cutely-named dating site “I’m Single” have been pioneering a similar concept for them, for example 合コン goh-kon or drink parties with a pre-set menu of activities that make it easier for guys and girls to break the ice with each other. Otakus lucky enough to find someone like-minded to date can form an オタカップル ota-couple in which 2D-related hobbies like anime and games can be shared and enjoyed together, or east understood by the other party without bias.
There are dating & marriage services for otakus in Japan.
