IN HOPES of increasing happy families in Japan, speed dating is the new craze to encourage marriage.
Speed dating is meeting a person of the opposite sex in rapid succession; only a few minutes with each individual hoping to make a connection before the bell signal its time to move on.
According to the BBC website, in Japan, the government pays for some of these rapid speed dating parties.
According to the website, "The hope is that by encouraging people to date, marry and start a family, the current demographic trend leading towards a shrinking population can be arrested."
GOVERNMENT BACKING
And local governments in Japan are prepared to provide financial support for the businesses that organise dating events as part of its efforts to tackle what it sees as a major social problem.
Schools that were once full of baby boomers are now being closed down owing to a lack of children - more than 2,000 over the past decade alone.
"One of Japan's problems is that so few children are being born," says Mr Saeki, president of Exeo.
"That's why the local governments are coming up with incentives to encourage people to get married and give birth. The aim of our business is to help people."
It is reported that speed dating parties happen across Japan every night of the week.
Some couples seem to hit off instantly, while others are shy and conversation is muted.
"I don't have a girlfriend and it's difficult to meet women at work, so that's why I am here," says Hiroshi Nakahara, an office worker. "I'm embarrassed to be doing this."
"Women used to be able to rely on family introductions, such as aunts who arranged meeting a suitable man. But that's not happening much any more. Women now have to find lovers on their own," says party organiser Natsuko Minami.
Alternatively, company bosses used to take on the role of matchmaker for their staff, although this is rare now.
Furthermore, modern Japanese women are able to find well-paid careers, so their economic need for a husband is less pressing.
Yet the desire for romance means that many people are willing to pay for professional help in finding a partner.
