A New Approach to Love: Matchmaking Service for the LGBT Community in Western Japan
In recent years, a unique matchmaking service has emerged in western Japan, specifically targeting the LGBT community. This initiative, launched three years ago, has gained significant traction and provided a sense of security for individuals who prefer not to rely on traditional dating apps when seeking their life partners.
The service, called Best Lian Plus, is based in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. It is run by Yoshimune Tanabe, 39, and Tomotaka Arai, 44, who themselves met through a matchmaking agency in neighboring Osaka Prefecture in 2020. The two took a partnership oath the following year, which inspired them to create their own agency focused on supporting the LGBT community.
Addressing the Need for Safer Alternatives
For many members of the LGBT community, opportunities to meet others with similar sexual orientations are often limited to dating apps. However, Tanabe and Arai believe that these platforms do not always provide the understanding or safety that individuals need. They see matchmaking agencies as an essential alternative, offering a more secure and supportive environment.
They argue that services operated by those outside the community may not fully grasp the unique challenges faced by LGBT individuals. This belief led them to establish Best Lian, initially focusing on gay men in June 2021. Since its launch, the service has attracted around 150 participants ranging in age from their 20s to their 60s. To date, the agency has successfully matched 20 couples.
Personal Stories of Relief and Hope
One participant, a man in his 20s, shared his experience of hiding his sexual orientation and feeling there were “no safe spaces” for him. After using the services offered by Best Lian Plus, he expressed a sense of relief and hope for the future.
Initially, the agency was exclusively for gay men. However, in 2022, Tanabe and Arai expanded their services to include the entire LGBT community under the name Best Lian Plus. This expansion reflects their commitment to providing support and connection for all members of the community.
Promoting Inclusivity and Visibility
In addition to their matchmaking services, Tanabe and Arai have taken steps to promote inclusivity and visibility within the community. Recently, they sponsored a Pride parade in Kobe, aiming to encourage individuals facing difficult circumstances and offer them hope for a brighter future.
Their efforts highlight the importance of creating safe spaces where individuals can connect, share experiences, and find support. By focusing on the needs of the LGBT community, Best Lian Plus is making a meaningful impact in western Japan.
Expanding Reach and Impact
As the service continues to grow, it is clear that there is a strong demand for such initiatives. The success of Best Lian Plus demonstrates the value of personalized, community-driven approaches to matchmaking. By prioritizing understanding and safety, the agency is helping individuals find not just partners, but also a sense of belonging.
With ongoing efforts to expand their services and promote inclusivity, Tanabe and Arai are setting a positive example for others in the community. Their journey serves as a reminder of the power of connection and the importance of creating spaces where everyone can feel accepted and supported.
