The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry wants to improve the image of matchmaking firms in an effort to promote marriage and reverse the declining birthrate, according to ministry officials.
In its first report on matchmaking agencies, the ministry urged TV broadcasters to lift their self-imposed ban on airing their commercials. METI is also pushing for a third-party certification body to scrutinize agencies' services.
According to a paper compiled by a METI study group, the matchmaking industry generally has a poor image because it is often confused with online dating services, which are sometimes associated with prostitution.