Frequently Asked Questions

If this is your first time using a marriage consultation service, you may have many questions. We have categorized the following frequently asked questions based on IBJ's service rules and our unique features to help you better understand our services. If you have any other questions, please feel free to consult us.

1. Consultation & Basic Concepts
What is the difference between a marriage agency and dating apps or parties?

The biggest difference lies in the 'intent of members' and 'authenticity of identity'.

  • Safety: Apps usually require simple ID verification, while we require official documents such as proof of single status, education, and income, ensuring true identity and transparency.
  • Purpose: Everyone here is genuinely looking for 'marriage', not just a lover or casual fun.
  • Support: Apps are self-driven, while we provide full support from professional counselors (matchmakers), from profile creation to dating and proposals.
Will I be pressured to join during the free consultation?

Please rest assured, we do not engage in high-pressure sales. The purpose of the consultation is to understand your needs and make proposals; the final decision to join is entirely up to you.

Can I keep my matchmaking activities secret from family, colleagues, or friends?

Yes. We strictly adhere to personal information protection laws.

  • Contact: We usually contact you via personal mobile or the messaging tool within the system, and will not call your home.
  • Mail: If documents must be mailed, we use personal name envelopes without any 'marriage' or 'matchmaking' labels.
  • Visibility: Your profile is only disclosed within the member system, visible only to members who have also passed screening, and not to the general public.
What kind of members do you introduce?

As a member of IBJ (Japan Marriage Agency Federation), we can introduce over 100,000 members. Men are mostly stable office workers, civil servants, doctors, business owners, etc.; women also have legitimate professions like nursery teachers, nurses, etc. Everyone is genuinely looking for a marriage partner.

Can I use other apps or attend other events simultaneously?

Yes. We prioritize your happiness, and finding a partner through other means is also a good thing. However, we do not recommend joining two marriage agencies belonging to the same federation (IBJ) at the same time, as this will result in duplicate profiles in the system, which can easily cause confusion and trouble.

2. Eligibility & Documents
What are the requirements for joining? Is there an age limit?

The basic requirements are being over 20 years old, legally single, and willing to marry. Men are usually required to have a certain stable income.

  • Age: People over 50 are very welcome, and we do not refuse membership based on age.
  • Remarriage: Very welcome. Many divorced individuals have successfully remarried here.
Can I join if I am currently dating someone (or separated but not divorced)?

No.

  • Not Divorced: You must submit the divorce notification and obtain a 'Certificate of Acceptance of Divorce Report' (or have it reflected in your family register) and a 'Certificate of Single Status' before joining.
  • Have a Lover: If you have a partner you are officially dating, it is considered a 'Serious Relationship' status, which violates the rules of the marriage agency. Please join after ending your current relationship.
What documents are needed?

To ensure member quality, the following documents must be submitted:

  1. Certificate of Single Status (original within 3 months, obtained at your registered domicile city office).
  2. Certificate of Residence (original within 3 months).
  3. ID Proof (Copy of driver's license, passport, etc.).
  4. Proof of Education (For junior college graduates and above, copy of diploma, etc.).
  5. Proof of Income (Withholding slip or tax certificate; mandatory for men, required for women if disclosing income).
  6. Professional Qualification (For professions requiring qualifications like doctors, lawyers, etc.).
What is a 'Certificate of Single Status'? How do I get it?

It is an official document proving you are legally single.

  • For Japanese Nationals: Please obtain a 'Certificate of Single Status' at the municipal office of your registered domicile (different from Koseki Tohon). If your domicile is far, you can usually apply by mail.
  • For Chinese Nationals in Japan: Please obtain a 'Notarial Certificate of Non-Spousal Status' from the Chinese Embassy or Consulate.
  • For Other Nationals: In principle, please submit a document equivalent to a single status certificate from your country. We will explain the details during the free consultation.
I just started a business or have unstable income, does it affect membership?

If income is unstable, activities might be difficult (especially for men), so we might suggest waiting to join depending on the situation. Please discuss this during the consultation.

3. Fees & Contract
Can I cancel if I feel it's not right after joining? (Cooling-off)

Yes.

  • Cooling-off: You can cancel unconditionally within 8 days of receiving the contract, and we will refund the full amount.
  • Mid-term Withdrawal: You can apply for withdrawal at any time, even after 8 days. We will not charge any unreasonable penalty fees. In accordance with laws and regulations, we will refund any unaccrued fees.
What payment methods do you support?

We support cash, bank transfer, and credit card payments.

4. Activity Flow (Search & Matchmaking)
How do I find a partner?

There are three main ways:

  1. System Search: Use the member-only app to search for and apply to potential matches anytime based on age, residence, hobbies, etc.
  2. AI & System Matching: The system recommends candidates based on your activity data and preferences.
  3. Counselor Recommendation: As professional counselors, we recommend suitable candidates based on your personality and values.
Where and what is the first meeting (Omiai)?
  • Location: Usually at a hotel lounge or a nice cafe in the city. To show sincerity, meetings at chain coffee shops or overly casual places are prohibited.
  • Content: About 1 hour of tea time, chatting casually to get to know each other.
  • Cost: By rule, the tea cost on the day is generally borne by the man. Women should express their gratitude.
I'm shy and not good at talking at parties or in front of many people. What should I do?

Rest assured, our main activity is one-on-one matchmaking (Omiai), and participation in large parties is not mandatory. For members not good at communication, counselors provide advice on clothing, topics, and manners before the meeting.

Can we do online matchmaking?

Yes. Although in-person is recommended, Zoom video meetings can be arranged if both parties agree.

Can I cancel after the meeting is confirmed?

In principle, cancellation is not allowed. If you are unable to attend due to force majeure such as illness, you may request to postpone in advance. However, if you cancel on the day or are absent without notice, a penalty must be paid (usually 10,000 yen or more). This is to maintain credibility and respect the time of both parties.

5. Relationship & Marriage (Core Rules)
What are 'Pre-dating' and 'Serious Relationship'?
  • Pre-dating (Kari-Kousai): Following a good impression at the Omiai, you enter a 'more than friends' stage. You can contact and date multiple people simultaneously to see who fits you best.
  • Serious Relationship (Shinken-Kousai): You narrow it down to one person with marriage in mind. The system marks you as 'In a Relationship', accepting no other introductions, focusing on deepening the bond with this one person.
Any prohibitions during dating?

To avoid disputes, the following are strictly prohibited before marriage withdrawal:

  • Premarital sex.
  • Staying overnight (including travel, regardless of separate rooms).
  • Cohabitation.
  • Money lending.

Note: Occurrence of the above is considered 'Marriage', and you will be required to process marriage withdrawal and pay the success fee even without engagement.

What is the definition of 'Marriage' (Seikon)?

'Marriage' (Seikon) means both parties have confirmed their will to marry (usually defined by a successful proposal) and decided to end matchmaking activities. Unlike services that end just by introducing you, our goal is 'Engagement' or 'Promise of Marriage'.

How do I decline if it doesn't work out?

This is the advantage of a marriage agency. If you feel the person is not right, you don't need to say 'No' directly. Please inform your counselor, and we will convey the decline to the other party's counselor. This avoids awkwardness and trouble, allowing you to move on to the next opportunity without burden.

How long does it take to get married?

It varies, but many members marry within 10 months to a year after joining. The rule for the dating period from Omiai to Marriage is principally 3 months (extendable to 6 months). Since the meeting is for the purpose of marriage, decisions are usually fast.

6. Special Services & Support
What support does Duo Melody offer for international marriage?

We have counselors proficient in international marriage (especially Chinese-Japanese). Besides matchmaking, we provide advice on legal procedures for cross-border marriage and can introduce administrative scriveners for spouse visas if needed (scrivener fees are separate).

Can I consult after marriage withdrawal?

Of course. After marriage withdrawal, we can continue to offer advice on wedding preparations, newlywed life, etc. We are very happy to hear good news about your registration, wedding, or childbirth.

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