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Dating apps have long had a stigma for superficial, fleeting encounters, especially in Japan. They are often seen as digital dating sites rather than real connection platforms. However, a new player in the space Ratio Matchis working to change these perceptions and redefine the landscape of online social interactions in Japan.
The origins of BeMatch
It all started with an idea in the shower. Lost in steam and thoughts, BeMatch founder Satoya Hatanaka, 22, had an idea: combine the spontaneity of BeReal (an app that promotes real, unedited life through spontaneous photos) with the depth of a social network. He jumped out of the shower, threw a jacket over his still-damp shoulders, and headed straight to his technical partner Tomoki Tsukiyama’s home in Kawasaki, calling him on the way.
The two then began a frantic five-day sprint. Hatanaka worked on the user interface, while Tsukiyama turned those ideas into code. Fueled by coffee and adrenaline, they worked around the clock. Despite technical glitches and high user expectations, BeMatch was released on time. Initial feedback was very positive, with users praising the app for its perfect blend of social networking and dating features.
What is BeMatch?
BeMatch is at the forefront of a new wave of hybrid apps that combine various social features into one platform. Users can find friends, lovers, and community connections in one place. This hybrid model is reshaping the way people use social apps, making it easier for people to meet multiple social needs on one platform.
BeMatch is a social networking app designed to help users exchange BeReals with people around the world. BeReals are the main content of the BeReal app, which was created by French developers Alexis Barreyat and Kévin Perreau and launched in 2020. Users are prompted daily to take a photo using the front and back cameras within two minutes, and the posts disappear after 24 hours to emphasize instant sharing. This is the opposite of the carefully curated perfection of traditional social media, promoting more real and personal connections between users.
With an interface reminiscent of Tinder, BeMatch builds on this concept to create a community centered around the exchange of BeReals. BeMatch users can swipe to send likes to the BeReals of potential matches. When two people like each other and match successfully, they can exchange BeReals.
Phishing and anonymous profiles are a widespread problem on many social networking and dating platforms in Japan. Users often hide behind photos of coffee, landscapes, or pets. Phishing and misusing other people’s photos to create fake profiles are also common problems. BeMatch solves this problem by requiring BeReals to be real, greatly reducing the chances of encountering fake profiles and promoting real connections.
Breaking stereotypes
Online dating has long been stigmatized in Japan, but BeMatch is bucking that trend by emphasizing genuine connections and friendships. By positioning itself as a dating platform, it is breaking down barriers and changing perceptions. Users no longer feel like they are part of a secret operation; instead, they are participating in a vibrant, open community.
BeMatch supports both opposite-sex and same-sex matches, with approximately 30% of matches being same-sex. BeMatch focuses on genuine, diverse connections, unlike typical dating apps, which often prioritize romantic relationships over friendship.
“We are building this app from the ground up to occupy a space that existing apps haven’t yet fulfilled,” Hatanaka said. “We want to establish ourselves as a dating app. As members of Generation Z, we understand the need for new ways to build friendships and connections, especially in Japan’s sometimes closed environment. We leveraged the experiences and needs of young people to create a product that we actually want to use.”
In a culture where traditional values often dominate social dynamics, this approach is a refreshing change. BeMatch is a pragmatic response to the needs of modern society, driven by a generation that values authenticity and inclusivity.
The future of social networking
Hatanaka’s vision extends beyond Japan. With plans to enter markets such as the United States and France, BeMatch aims to appeal to a global youth base and introduce a new model of social networking that blends friendship and dating in an organic, natural way.
Hatanaka and his team weren’t content to just develop one app: they also launched Trinket, a hybrid social networking app inspired by Locket, another popular app among young people. Trinket was also based on the concept of sharing real moments with friends, pushing the limits of what a social app could do in an era when online personas were highly curated.
These Gen Z founders are not just building an app, they are challenging Japan’s long-held conservative notions of social interaction and online dating. By emphasizing authenticity, inclusivity, and real-time interactions, BeMatch is poised to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of social networking. As the app grows, it promises to set new standards and push the envelope even further.
