Are you looking for love or in need of a partner? Do you like meeting new people? No need to despair. If you’re living in Japan, then this might be the solution for you!
If after reading this article, you are still not sure if Gokon is the way to go, I will also give a few more tips to where you can meet your soul mate in Japan other than Gokon.
But firstly, let’s find out…
“Gokon” is a Japanese organized group dating. It comes from the words “godo”合同, which means “mixed,” and “konpa”コンパ, which means an informal group meeting. This is a drinking party where men and women meet for the first time.
It typically starts from either a man or a woman who organizes the event and then starts inviting other persons to join the group. Clueless as to who they’ll be meeting, the invited individuals will then prepare for the said schedule of the event. That’s why it has been termed as “blind dating“. Everyone involved has the hope of finding or forming a romantic relationship in the end.
Once inside the party, men and women will be typically sitting opposite to each other in a group. As the conversation flows, some will probably find another opposite sex attractive.
Once they both liked each other, at the end of the night, they can actually hitch off. Some may probably be exchanging their mobile numbers, addresses, and other personal information while others may get disappointed of not being able to find the right one.
Gokon may be a fun and friendly meeting, but one has to be careful sometimes, especially the women. Remember, always compose yourself and never drink too much. Be alert for danger signs. Some may have found true love in this event and others may have had traumatic experiences.
This kind of dating may be best for the very young and active person who finds it safer and easier to go on a date with the protection of some friends.
As the saying goes, “easy come, easy go.” This might not really be the most natural way of finding the right one as it is a bit speedy. Some newly formed romantic relationships in gokon may fade away in the glimpse of an eye. It is still best to keenly know the person of interest to you.
When it comes to dating Japanese, it might be even a much more difficult task than dating your own nationality. Problems that might occur is the language barrier: either you have to learn Japanese or your counterpart needs to learn English (or if it is not your native language, there is always the possibility for the Japanese partner to learn your mother tongue). Another task you might need to tackle is cultural differences.
Nevertheless: If you are single and have decided to find a Japanese partner, learning Japanese will definitely increase the possibility to pursue your dream. In the beginning, this might feel strange, but in the long run it will only benefit you. But where to find the one?
Online
Let’s face it: online dating is not something that unusual anymore and with having a busy work schedule this might be the only way to get to know more than just one person randomly at a party or through a friend.
Singles want the full variety that the internet offers and through online dating, people can actually have a more specific choice, or at least that is what one believes.
Critics say that online dating is superficial, especially because people tend to select by looks. But it is not that simple. Statistics show, that people who look too good or too handsome are difficult to approach, same like in real life.
You can always try it! Popular sites include Japan cupid or GaijinPot Personals!
Bars
Other ways, although a bit more challenging, would be clubs/bars. This is, however, quite difficult, since you need to be lucky in order to find the right person.
Sports and Cultural Clubs
A much more fun way to get to know people is to join sport clubs, art clubs or just meet friends and their friends. You imagination is the only limit. Also: try to be friends first. If you get to know each other and find out you do not intend to have a romantic relationship, you still have made a new friend!
Now, ready to find your Soul Mate?