IBJ Matching Achieves 1.86x Year-on-Year Growth in Match Numbers; Hosts 10th Hospitality Contest

10 Finalists Selected from 326 Staff Nationwide for the 10th Hospitality Contest

IBJ Matching, a marriage event service operated by IBJ Inc. (President & CEO: Kentaro Tsuchiya, headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; TSE Prime: 6071; hereinafter “IBJ”), which boasts Japan’s highest number of marriages*¹, held its “10th Hospitality Contest” on Friday, June 26, 2026. The event featured 10 finalists selected from 326 marriage event staff across Japan, with awards including the grand prize announced.

Concurrently, a survey of 1,041 members on “awareness regarding hospitality and matchmaking” found that 70.3% responded that “staff attitude impacts matchmaking.” While IBJ Matching’s matchmaking results have increased dramatically to 1.86 times the previous year’s figure*, the key driver behind this remarkable growth has been revealed to be staff hospitality that alleviates first-time attendees’ anxiety and eases conversation tension.

Survey Result ①: Pre-event concerns include “conversation” and “attending alone”

An online survey targeting individuals seeking marriage revealed that the top concerns before attending an event were “whether there will be someone compatible” (76.9%) and “whether I’ll match with anyone” (40.6%). Additionally, a significant number of respondents expressed concerns about face-to-face communication and event atmosphere, such as “being able to talk smoothly with someone new or avoiding awkward silences” (36.9%) and “feeling isolated when attending alone” (23.3%).

Survey Result ②: Key to satisfaction is “staff response.” 70.3% recognize its impact on matchmaking

The key to alleviating these anxieties and enabling participants to focus comfortably on meeting people is “on-site staff hospitality and support.” When asked, “Do you think staff attentiveness and support affect how easily you can talk to someone of the opposite sex or your matchmaking results?”, a remarkable 70.3% answered “Yes, it does.”

Furthermore, the top responses for what participants most expect from staff were “accurate time management and guidance (50.6%),” “clear and polite explanations when the system or flow is unclear (49.5%),” and “subtle support to prevent someone from feeling isolated when attending alone (43.4%).” What participants seek is not excessive interference, but a sense of “security” from staff who offer timely and appropriate help when needed.

Participant Feedback (Excerpts from open-ended survey responses)

“The staff welcomed me with a smile at the venue, which helped ease my tension.” (Female, 30s)

“I was kindly guided when I didn’t understand the seat rotation system, which was very helpful.” (Female, 20s)

“When I first attended, staff kindly and smilingly taught me how to input my profile on my phone.” (Female, 50s)

High-quality hospitality drives significant increase in matchmaking numbers

To create more opportunities for connections, IBJ has introduced “multiple matching,” allowing participants to match with multiple partners in a single event, while continuously improving staff hospitality standards.

Participant surveys frequently praise “detailed explanations” and “subtle support,” with clear guidance and personalized attention contributing to a comfortable and reassuring environment. As a result of these initiatives, the number of matches at IBJ Matching events from January to June 2026 increased 186%* compared to the same period last year.

To further elevate hospitality standards nationwide, IBJ hosted the “Hospitality Contest” for staff who interact directly with customers at marriage event venues. This year, 10 finalists advanced to the final round after winning preliminary rounds among 326 staff members nationwide.

Results of the 10th Hospitality Contest announced: National No.1 staff member crowned

The final round, held on June 26, featured 10 staff members selected from 326 nationwide, competing in role-playing scenarios to demonstrate their hospitality skills.

Judging evaluated not only adherence to manuals but also comprehensive hospitality required in real-world settings—such as courteous guidance for first-time attendees, communication that alleviates anxiety, and flexible responses to unexpected situations.

As a result, the following staff members achieved outstanding results and were awarded: · Grand Prize: Risa Miura (Umeda Branch) · Runner-up: Emi Niiya (Event Party) · Third Place: Rai Ongiri (Ginza Branch) · Third Place (tie): Nana Terao (Event Party)

Risa Miura from the Umeda Branch, Grand Prize Winner

Post-contest comment from Mr. Miyamoto, Contest Director:

Survey results revealed that many customers harbor strong anxieties about “attending for the first time” and “conversation.” Therefore, this year’s contest focused not only on standard scripted guidance but also on evaluating the ability to ease first-timers’ tension and provide flexible, empathetic support during irregular situations.

The consistent delivery of hospitality by on-site staff has become the driving force behind our 186% year-on-year increase in matchmaking results. Moving forward, we will continue to nurture talent across the group to transform customer anxieties into reassurance, providing “personalized hospitality” and “the best marriage-seeking experience” for every individual.

Survey Overview · Target: IBJ Matching members · Period: June 22–30, 2026 · Conducted by: In-house survey · Method: Web-based survey via direct messaging (DM) · Valid responses: 1,041

IBJ Matching (https://www.partyparty.jp/)

A marriage support service operated by IBJ Inc., listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market. From 1-on-1 private conversations in dedicated lounges to diverse events like romance-themed escape games and hobby-based meetups, IBJ Matching achieves one of the industry’s highest matchmaking rates. Staff undergo hospitality training and role-playing exercises, and only those who meet high standards manage events, aiming to increase satisfaction—which directly translates to higher matchmaking success. iOS: https://apple.co/2qLiyI7 Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.ibjapan.partyparty

IBJ Inc. (https://www.ibjapan.jp/)

IBJ creates more marriages (engagements)*¹ than any other company in Japan through comprehensive support beyond mere matchmaking. By combining human-centered personal support with IT, IBJ operates a unique network of marriage counseling services. Rather than treating marriage as the end goal, the company is expanding its business into life design support, aiming for “happy lives” beyond marriage. Under its unchanging mission since founding—“making everyone with whom we share connections happy”—IBJ aims to contribute to a sustainable society by creating a cycle of happiness starting from marriage, addressing Japan’s serious challenge of population decline.

Headquarters: 12F & 17F, Shinjuku First West, 1-23-7 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Representative: President & CEO Kentaro Tsuchiya Founded: February 2006 (Founded in 2000) Official Website: https://www.ibjapan.jp/

*Comparison between January–June 2025 and January–June 2026