Is it true that AI-powered dating apps have a lot of "married men over 40"? — The forefront of "AI dating" in Japan

1. What's Happening? — "Falling in Love with AI," a New Genre

Japan's AI Romance is distinct from traditional "human × human" matchmaking. For example, in LOVERSE, the app features numerous AI partners (characters with set professions, ages, hobbies, etc.), and users interact through the typical UX of "like → match → message." The AI also has a "daily schedule," and does not reply during work hours, aiming for human-like behavior.Asahi Shimbun

The operating company, Samantha Corporation, has implemented safeguards against dependency risks by clearly stating **"The content is fictional" and guiding users to public consultation services if messages indicating self-harm are detected. The service is **free to register, with a monthly plan of 2,500 yen available.Asahi Shimbun

2. Representative Example: Basic Information of LOVERSE

• Operating Company: Samantha Corporation (CEO Goki Kusunoki). The management team and company history are available on the official website.Samantha Corporation - Making Life Enjoyable Through Love
  
  

• Service Policy: The service highlights its low barrier by stating "Married individuals welcome / No identity verification / No photo registration" and "low risk of being identified," assuming the AI is the partner.LOVERSE
  
  

• Official App Release: Officially released for iOS/Android on June 9, 2025.Press Release & News Release Distribution Share No.1 | PR TIMES
  
  

• App Features (Store Description): "All partners are AI", free to start, no ID required, and offers a "real matching experience with AI" based on **Patent No. 7418684**.Google Play

Points for Foreign Readers:
In Japan, major **marriage-oriented support services require strict identity and single status verification, but AI romance focuses on enjoying a **"romantic experience"** without legal infidelity, with a completely different design philosophy.

3. Why is there a high usage among "married men over 40"? (Facts + Analysis)

According to an Asahi Shimbun interview, a company survey shows a high number of "married men over 40". The CEO explains the purpose as allowing those without opportunities for romance to experience "the feeling of liking someone."Asahi Shimbun

The author's analysis (speculation) includes:

• Risk Avoidance: It matches those who want to experience the thrill of romance while avoiding real-life risks like infidelity and divorce.

• Optimization of Time and Effort: Even if busy with work or family, AI that can easily adjust to "the partner's schedule" is less burdensome.

• Psychological Safety: It provides a break from attributes like appearance, income, and marital history, which are often judged by human partners.

Simultaneously, there are increasing reports of users who feel AI is a **"lifelong partner"** and surveys showing about 67% of people develop an attachment to generative AI, indicating emotional connections.Asahi Shimbun+1

4. "AI as a Partner" and "AI Recommending Human Partners" Are Different

Often confused, **AI romance (AI as a partner)** and **AI-recommended public apps (human × human)** are separate categories.

• Tokyo's public app involves strict verification of single status and income, where AI supports human matchmaking. It's positioned as an extension of the city's marriage support efforts, with a backdrop of addressing the declining birthrate.ReutersJapan Today

• AI romance is based on the premise that the **"partner is AI"**. It allows for married individuals, requires no identity verification, and has different purposes and requirements.LOVERSE

5. Context of Japan's Online Romance Market

Government surveys show that about a quarter of married individuals under 40 met online, indicating that online encounters are becoming more common in Japan. The demand for AI companions is also increasing globally, with reports of a surge in searches related to "AI girlfriend."TechsploreEngooForbes JAPAN

6. Points on Ethics, Culture, and Safety

• Dependency Risks and Transparency: LOVERSE implements ethical design by incorporating measures like **"fictional content" disclosure and detecting signs of self-harm → guiding to public consultation. Users must also autonomously manage their daily routines and finances**.Asahi Shimbun
  
  

• Cultural Meaning of "Married Individuals Welcome": Japan's marriage activities are often strictly regulated based on legal relationships, but AI romance aims to fulfill "emotional spaces." Aligning with family and partner agreements and household values is each individual's responsibility.LOVERSE
  
  

• Privacy: No ID or photo required can be reassuring, but users should verify how personal data like payment information is handled. Reading the app's terms of use and privacy policy is essential.LOVERSEGoogle Play
  
  

• Content Policy: The store and official sources clearly state a policy of **"no sexual content."** Expecting adult-oriented use would lead to a mismatch.LOVERSE

7. Pricing, Introduction, and Usability

• Pricing: Free registration, with a monthly plan of 2,500 yen available.Asahi Shimbun
  
  

• Introduction: Officially released for iOS/Android in June 2025. It touts a "real matching experience with AI" using patented technology.Press Release & News Release Distribution Share No.1 | PR TIMESGoogle Play
  
  

• Getting Started Guide

  1. Install from the official/store

  2. View the profile of the AI partner → "Like" → Match

  3. Enjoy daily conversations, virtual date proposals (AI also behaves like "ignoring messages when busy")##HTML_TAG