Matchmaker Looks to Cash in on Population Woes

JAPAN TIMES -- July 15 -- For the government, the declining birthrate and delayed marriages are big headaches.  Jim Safka, CEO of Match stated, "Solutions we provide are a perfect fit with the social changes we are trying to counteract in Japan." Jim was in Japan for four-day visit through Saturday. Match.com has 15 million members from 240 countries. In 2002, it entered Japan, where it claims 710,000 members. The total fertility rate hit a record low of 1.25 in 2005. In 2004, the average age at which men and women first marry hit record highs of 29.6 for men and 27.8 for women.  The online matchmaking industry is still underdeveloped in Japan.  People are more cautious about meeting via the Internet.  In the future, members will be able to show their driver's license or other identification to the matchmaking company, which then will place an icon on the person's top page to certify that his or her information is trustworthy, Safka said.  He also plans to start a new personal consultation service in early 2007 in which members looking for serious relationships are assisted by personal consultants who can introduce them to handpicked candidates selected from other members.  "Privacy, security and safety is our number one concern."  Safka said he went to the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and asked that consideration be given to certifying online dating companies.  FULL ARTICLE @ JAPAN NEWS

Mark Brooks: The industry is leaving money on the table. Users wants more service. They want dates.  Match is making big changes.  Match.com is building an even stronger brand (with Dr Phil) and picking up on the premium market that real world matchmakers service.