There are probably many people who think, "I'm aware that my otaku personality makes me unsuited for marriage," or "I'm afraid that people will be turned off by my hobbies."
The fear that no one will appreciate the time I spend on my hobbies.
I feel the same way, but I wonder if all people who fall into the category of otaku feel the same way.
Then, a thought occurred to me.
If there are people with similar hobbies, they will understand my interests and be in the same situation...
If our hobbies match, then surely we could go on a date!
So, this time I've compared some of the best matchmaking sites for otaku men and women. I hope this helps anyone, regardless of gender, in a similar situation to me!
Benefits of Otaku Dating
So, what are the benefits of otaku dating?
I've thought about it seriously, so please take a look.
After all, a long-held hobby is something you want to cherish until the very end, just like marriage.
Open Recognition as an Otaku
First of all, the first thing that comes to mind is that you don't have to worry about being put off.
Since you're focusing on your hobby when dating, you can be open about it from the get-go.
And there's no need to worry about waiting for the right time to come out.
It's very important that someone understands your hobby.
If they don't truly understand your hobby, they might not say anything about watching anime, but when you buy merchandise, they'll ask, "Why are you spending money on this?" or "Why don't you just buy clothes to wear outside instead?"
You can't say, "I'm planning to go out wearing an anime T-shirt underneath my jacket" to someone who doesn't understand otaku.
Sharing Your Otaku Hobbies
The next benefit is "sharing your hobbies."
I want to date someone who can talk about hobbies with the same enthusiasm, like a baseball team member and baseball team manager dating and having a conversation.
If you have the same hobbies, shopping and movies seem like a more open date, right?
Average girls reading this article might think, "I don't mind at all, and we can go together!"
I'll say it loud and clear to that:
No, I can't! I'm afraid to take him! I'm afraid he'll be put off! Don't force a smile!
I can't reveal everything to you!
Even in times like these, fellow otaku can open up to each other with peace of mind.
Torakon: A service specializing in otaku matchmaking
Torakon boasts one of Japan's largest networks, with 58,000 members, and is a service that connects otaku men and women.
The website is also very easy to understand, and its advice on matchmaking for otaku is written in a humorous way.
Even if you don't join, just visiting the website is educational!
The premium plan includes fees for practice dates, so even those who aren't good at romance will receive generous support.
How to Proceed with Your Matchmaking at Torakon
So, how does Torakon guide your matchmaking journey?
Like a typical marriage agency, Torakon uses the profiles and photos of other members to apply and arranges matchmaking.
In addition, for beginners or those who are not comfortable in such situations, there are services such as having a staff member accompany you or providing practice sessions.
The website also provides detailed and helpful advice, so please refer to it.
In addition to matchmaking, it appears that they also hold events, so if you are not comfortable with one-on-one meetings, these may be a good option.
Torakon Prices
| Plan Name | Enrollment Fee | Monthly Fee | Marriage Success Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friends Plan | 0 yen | 0 yen | 0 yen |
| My Pace Plan | 90,000 yen (excluding tax) | ¥10,000 (excluding tax) | ¥100,000 (excluding tax) |
| Tora Girls Plan | ¥90,000 (excluding tax) | ¥10,000 (excluding tax) | ¥200,000 (excluding tax) |
| Basic Plan | ¥150,000 (excluding tax) | ¥15,000 (excluding tax) | 200,000 yen (excluding tax) |
| Premium Plan | 250,000 yen (excluding tax) | 20,000 yen (excluding tax) | 250,000 yen (excluding tax) |
Torakon recognizes creators and cosplayers who have exhibited their own works through creative activities as "otaku experts," and offers a discount on the membership fee to those who qualify.
Torakon Benefits
The biggest benefit of Torakon is the "very generous support."
Although there is an additional fee, everything from coordination to rehearsals for dates and matchmaking sessions are available.
In addition, unlike low-cost online matchmaking services, when registering, you are required to provide proof of annual income and identity verification, and they take thorough measures to prevent the creation of false profiles.
As a result, the service has a large number of serious matchmakers, both men and women.
Disadvantages of Torakon
Next, we'll introduce some of Torakon's disadvantages.
Although the company has offices in Tokyo and Nagoya, events are only held in urban areas.
As a result, the impression that the service is strong in rural areas isn't conveyed on the website.
While this isn't a problem for people living in urban areas, those living in rural areas should inquire about how many registered members there are in nearby cities before signing up.
Marriage hunting isn't difficult for otakus: "Otakon"
Otakon is a full-fledged matchmaking site with the motto "Marriage hunting isn't difficult for otakus!", allowing you to search for a partner on your smartphone.
How to Find a Partner on Otakon
After registering as a member on Otakon, you enter your profile information, and a matchmaking advisor will then suggest the perfect match for you.
If both parties agree, the matchmaking takes place.
The suggestions made by this matchmaking advisor are not automated, but are selected by a real person, so you can rest assured.
They also hold matchmaking events, which are perfect for people who are lamenting the lack of opportunities to meet people.
Otakukon Pricing
| Plan Name | Membership Fee | Monthly Fee | Success Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Month Plan | 0 Yen | 19,800 Yen (excluding tax) | 0 Yen |
There's no initial registration fee! It's incredibly convenient that you only pay a monthly membership fee.
There are also 3-month and 6-month plans, which are cheaper.
Before signing up for a paid subscription, there's also a free registration option, so be sure to check it out.
Advantages of Otakukon
The biggest advantage of Otakukon is that it's much cheaper than regular marriage agencies.
While there are options like rehearsals for matchmaking, it's more of a self-planning system.
And the fact that everything up to the matchmaking can be completed online is a convenient system.
Otakon is a service that minimizes the cost and effort required for those who are short on time and money but still want to find a real partner.
Disadvantages of Otakon
While identification is required for Otakon, information such as annual income is optional.
As a result, some couples choose not to disclose their annual income.
This may not be of much concern to men, but for women, a potential spouse's annual income is extremely important.
Not knowing a spouse's annual income can be a source of anxiety for women, so it's important to be careful.
Otakon? Torakon? Easily check out the perfect service!
If you're not sure which service is right for you, please check out the diagram above.
You may find an otaku-specific matchmaking service that's right for you.
A. Otakukon Recommends
If you chose A, you're likely someone with some dating experience.
If that sounds like you, we recommend "Otakukon."
Your partner will be picked for you by a professional supporter, so you can plan your dates yourself.
Compared to other matchmaking sites, it's significantly cheaper, and there are no initial fees or other costs, making it easy to get started.
B. Torakon is Recommended
If you chose B, perhaps you don't have much experience dating.
You're not good at talking alone, and you don't know how to handle dates or matchmaking...
However, if you have aspirations for marriage and want to take the time to properly prepare, Torakon is the place for you.
When you're younger, you might be able to get by on impulse, but when it comes to marriage, planning and preparation are important.
Of course, the opposite sex will think the same.
Torakon offers generous support even for those who are "not good at talking to women" or "not good at planning and preparing," so you can search for a partner with peace of mind.
C. Value your hobbies
If you chose C, you may not be interested in romance to begin with.
If you're not interested in romance, then live your life for your hobbies!
That's one way to find happiness.
If you even think to yourself that you're even slightly interested in romance,
I secretly recommend "Torakon."
What may seem like a small step to others may be a big step for you.
Isn't that just how life is?
D. Watch over me kindly from afar
People who chose D aren't interested in otaku to begin with.
As otaku, we feel threatened by people who approach us pretending to be interested when they're not.
If possible, please keep a little distance. Please understand that we only have value as someone who glances at you from afar.
Summary
It takes courage to reveal your hobbies to the opposite sex.
After all, we all dream of meeting people who share our hobbies!
But it's hard to find opportunities to talk to those people... If you're in this situation, please try the websites mentioned above!
And why not find a good partner and openly enjoy your hobbies together?
Use the matchmaking services introduced here, "Torakon, Otakon," to find your ideal partner.
I'm on your side in your endeavors, and I sincerely hope you find the right partner.
