IBJ Matching — the matchmaking party service operated by IBJ Inc. (Representative Director and President: Kenjiro Tsuchiya; Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Tokyo Stock Exchange Prime Market: 6071), which boasts the highest number of successful engagements in Japan — is chartering a large cruise ship for up to 100 guests for two "Cruise Matchmaking" events: one on Tokyo Bay on September 22, 2026 (Tuesday, national holiday), and another in Minato Mirai on October 11, 2026 (Sunday). Guests can take in the night skyline from the water and enjoy natural conversation in a setting far removed from everyday life.
Background: from matchmaking by profile to matchmaking through shared experience
Alongside the traditional style of one-on-one conversation based on profiles and preferences, more people are now looking for "experience-based matchmaking," where they can get to know a potential partner through a shared activity. IBJ Matching has responded to this shift by actively planning events where the process of meeting people is itself something to enjoy.
Large cruise events in particular have proven popular, combining an out-of-the-ordinary setting with the chance to meet a large number of people at once. Four such cruises have been held so far, drawing more than 450 participants in total. Building on that response, this round expands to two areas: Tokyo Bay and Minato Mirai.
Event highlights
1. A three-deck cruise ship, chartered exclusively
The open-air sky deck offers 360-degree views of the Tokyo Bay or Minato Mirai night skyline. With the entire ship reserved for the event, guests can relax and talk without worrying about anyone outside the group — an open, out-of-the-ordinary space that's unique to cruise matchmaking.
2. Meet up to 100 people
Group talks and mini games are planned to help conversation flow naturally, even among people meeting for the first time. Because the event draws a large crowd, guests have the chance to meet a wider variety of people than they might otherwise encounter. Contact information can be exchanged freely throughout the event, making it easy to follow up with anyone guests connect with.
3. Finger food and free-flowing drinks included
Finger food and unlimited drinks keep the mood relaxed rather than formal. The food often becomes a natural conversation starter — "this is delicious!" — letting guests enjoy the night view and the meal together while meeting people at their own pace.
Event schedule (now accepting applications)
Tokyo Bay
- Date: September 22, 2026 (Tuesday, national holiday)
- Time: 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Venue: Takeshiba Small Craft Terminal
- Capacity: Up to 100 guests (men and women combined)
- Participation Fee: Men ¥16,500 / Women ¥12,500 (tax included)
- Age Range: 30s to 40s
- Event Page: https://www.partyparty.jp/party-detail/pid1785197
Minato Mirai
- Date: October 11, 2026 (Sunday)
- Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
- Venue: Pukari Pier, Minato Mirai
- Capacity: Up to 100 guests (men and women combined)
- Participation Fee: Men ¥16,500 / Women ¥12,500 (tax included)
- Age Range: Men ages 28 to 41 / Women ages 26 to 39
- Event Page: https://www.partyparty.jp/party-detail/pid1785198
About IBJ Matching
IBJ Matching is a matchmaking service operated by IBJ Inc., a company listed on the Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. From one-on-one talks in private lounge rooms to a wide variety of parties such as puzzle-solving and hobby-based mixers, the service achieves one of the industry's highest matching rates. Staff who have cleared rigorous customer-service training and role-play exercises run the service, aiming to improve satisfaction, and in turn, matching outcomes.
Official website: https://www.partyparty.jp/
iOS: https://apple.co/2qLiyI7
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.ibjapan.partyparty
