First of all, please let me offer several reasons why an increasing number of Japanese women are considering international marriage with western men:

1.  As a result of the Meiji Restoration period and the sequence of historical events that followed, the Japanese people have shown great interest in, and admiration for, the west.  Even though Japan is now an economic superpower in its own right, this inclination towards things western has not diminished.

2.  The incredible economic development of Japan during the last 40 years has given Japanese women the opportunity to receive a high-quality education and to achieve financial independence.  One consequence of these advances is that a growing number of Japanese women no longer feel that they have to marry Japanese men out of necessity.  (By the way, 40% of Japanese women are now still single at age 29.)

3.  The experience of either going abroad (for travel, school or work) or interacting with Westerners living in Japan has allowed Japanese women to compare the lifestyles of both cultures and an increasing number of Japanese women prefer Western family values and spousal relationships.

4.  In spite of the fact that Japanese women's views of marriage have changed greatly in recent years, Japanese men's ideas have remained old-fashioned, with many Japanese men still believing that women should "obey and follow" their men.

5.  Japanese men who have not experienced life abroad tend to reject Japanese women who have worked or gone to school in other countries.  Additionally, even Japanese men who have achieved high levels academically will often stay away from women who have strong academic backgrounds.

As a result of reasons such as those given above, a growing number of Japanese women believe that they will be happier if they marry Western men instead of Japanese men.

Next, let's take a look at some of the things a Japanese woman might be hoping for, or expecting, from marriage with a Western man.  Of course, how well a Japanese woman understands the West (society, culture, men, marriage, etc.) differs greatly from person to person and this makes it very difficult to give general answers that will apply to everyone.  However, there are a few points that many Japanese women tend to have in common regarding their image of Western men:

1.  Western men consider the sexes to be equal and, as a result, they are willing to share household chores.  Western men are kind and openhearted, they are willing and able to express their love for their wives and they will continue to love and cherish their wives as they grow old.

2.  Western men clearly express their opinions and intentions with words and always make decisions after fully discussing the issues with their wives.  Japanese women feel these traits make it easier for them to understand their husbands and will also allow them to feel relaxed and to act naturally in the presence of their husbands.

3.  Western men care dearly about their families and their lifestyles are centered around their families.

4.  Western men are tall, strong and handsome.

Finally, let's review some facts about Japan that Western men should understand and keep in mind:

1.  The level of lifestyle, education and moral standards in Japan is very high and, unlike the United States and Europe, there are very few people who would be considered lower class.
For example, a family of four living in Tokyo will require approximately US$50,000 per year (calculated at an exchange rate of 120 yen per US dollar) in order to sustain a middle-class lifestyle.  The cost of living in the Tokyo area is on the same order as that of New York or Paris, or higher.

2.  The educational level is very high in Japan.  Here are a few facts:

- 98% of all Japanese enter high school.
- 42% of males and 46% of females go on to college.
- The average annual income of a 35 year-old male is approximately US$45,000 (including taxes).
- Education, from primary school through high school, focuses on the importance of working together - within a group.  As a result, Japanese generally tend to be quiet, gentle, polite, cooperative and unselfish.3.  Western men with the following characteristics are not suited for membership at DMA:- Men who mistakenly believe that Japanese women hope to marry Western men in order to escape their - "poor Asian lifestyles" and enjoy a higher standard of living in Western countries.
- Irresponsible, careless, lazy men who cannot hold a steady job and who are prone to lie.
- Men who cannot find a responsible job in their own countries.
- Men who have just arrived in Japan, with little income, savings or knowledge of living in Japan, and who are hoping to marry a Japanese woman in order to receive help and assistance.
- Men who believe that Japanese women would make convenient mates because they are less demanding and more obedient than Western women.
- Men who are drug users, heavy drinkers or heavy smokers.
- Men who change their behavior after marriage and become violent.
- Men who are obese.
- Men who treat marriage casually and who feel that divorce will be an easy escape if things do not work out.
- Men with tendencies toward alternative sexual lifestyles.
- Men with mental or physical health problems.

I have discussed many things above as a international matchmaker in Japan, but it all basically boils down to this: If you are honest, diligent, understanding, family-oriented and have the ability to support a family on your income, I believe you have the fundamental characteristics necessary to create a loving family with a Japanese woman.