Pop Japan

Compared to the typical idea of dating, such as one-on-one blind dating, Japan has this eccentric way of meeting new people and finding their potential future partners. This activity is commonly known as gokon.

Gokon is a pre-planned group blind dating among groups of friends. Each group would have to invite an equal number of men and women to join the date. The participants were given the date, time and the venue which usually takes place in public restaurants and bar or as the Japanese calls it an izakaya. 

Since both groups are meeting for the first time, expect that the atmosphere would feel awkward in the beginning. To start off the night, participants will introduce themselves in a modest manner and continue to do casual talks. Games are played to lighten up the mood and set everyone at ease. Foods and drinks are available as well. 

Sounds interesting, yes? But for the Gokon to be successful here are some things to keep in mind before, during and after attending a gokon. 

BEFORE:

1. Make sure that you got the right date, time and location for your gokon date. You don’t want to enter the wrong restaurant and find no one there, right?

2. Observe how you dress. What you wear will speak for who you are so carefully plan your get up for your group date. 

3. Be on time. Tardiness will give you a bad impression and most will think you’re not really interested in the event.

4. Prepare yourself. Before going to the location, prepare what you will say and how will you introduce yourself. Other than that, be yourself and act natural.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                           DURING:

1. Show no signs of discomfort. Relax. It’s a group date and you are with your friends. You can always talk to them when you feel nervous.

2. Smile a lot and be nice to the other group and surely, you will leave a good impression to them.

3. Participate in games but limit your drinking. Do not get yourself drunk.

4. Carefully decide whether you will give your contact number to the other person in the group or not. In the end, it’s still your choice whether you want to connect after the event or not. 

AFTER:

1. Share your experience with your family and friends. Tell them what you think of gokon so they can have an idea on what it feels like to attend one. 

2. If you ever had a bad experience with your first gokon, do not generalize all the other gokons. You probably met bad and naughty men or noisy and annoying women but that doesn’t  mean that all men and women are like that. 

3. Try gokon again! But if you loved the experience of gokon, be one of the organizers for the next event with your friends. 

Ultimately, Gokon is one of the scariest thing you can do in Japan but with the proper planning and preparations, you can experience one of the most unforgettable moments in your life -- meeting new faces.  

Photo by w00kie. Licensed under Creative Commons. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)