“Which gay app should I use in Japan?”
“I’m worried about using it safely…”
Do you have these questions?
In this article, we’ll address your concerns and provide clarity.
Specifically, we’ll cover the following topics in this order:
- Features of popular gay dating apps in Japan
- 7 recommended apps and precautions for safe use
- Other ways to meet people in Japan besides gay apps
It takes about 10 minutes to read, and it’s highly likely to make choosing the right gay app in Japan much easier, so give it a read!
What Are Popular Gay Dating Apps in Japan?
Popular gay dating apps in Japan are characterized by their use for a wide range of purposes, from finding a partner to making friends.
In Japan, both gay-specific apps and general matching apps are used.
Gay-specific apps are tailored for same-sex connections, allowing users to efficiently find their ideal partner.
On the other hand, some general matching apps also support same-sex searches, offering a broader user base and expanding the scope of potential connections.
For foreign visitors, these apps are a convenient way to naturally connect with Japanese gay individuals.
Since the user demographics and atmosphere vary by app, it’s important to choose one that aligns with your goals and lifestyle.
7 Recommended Gay Apps Used in Japan!
Here are the seven recommended gay apps used in Japan:
- 9Monsters
- Bridge
- Grindr
- Jack’d
- Tinder
- AMBIRD
- BRO
Let’s dive into each one in detail.
1.9Monsters
Sauce：9Monsters
9Monsters is the first gay app to originate in Japan and continues to enjoy high recognition.
The app is simple and user-friendly, making it appealing even for beginners to use intuitively.
Particularly popular is its location function, which uses GPS to display nearby users down to a 1-meter precision, allowing you to easily find people in your area.
Additionally, messaging, free calls, and video calls are available, so you can connect online during free time or get a sense of someone’s vibe before meeting.
With many users, including both Japanese and foreign residents, it facilitates international connections.
From casual friendships to finding a partner, this highly recommended gay app caters to a wide range of needs.
2.Bridge
Sauce：Bridge
Bridge is a highly secure matching app developed by the first company in Japan to operate a gay-specific marriage agency.
Leveraging the extensive expertise of a marriage agency, it’s ideal for those seeking serious relationships or long-term partners rather than casual encounters.
The app enforces strict identity verification and reviews inappropriate photos, ensuring safety for users who want to avoid those looking for flings.
Foreign visitors in Japan can also register, and the app attracts many sincere men in their 20s and 30s, making it suitable for long-term relationships or marriage-minded connections.
For gay individuals who value meaningful relationships, Bridge offers a trustworthy platform for finding a partner.
3.Grindr
Sauce：Grindr
Grindr is one of the most famous gay matching apps, used by over 10 million people worldwide.
It excels in connecting with foreign men, and its GPS function allows you to easily find nearby users while staying in Japan.
However, compared to local apps like 9Monsters, it has fewer Japanese users, which may limit local connections.
Nevertheless, its search function lets you set detailed preferences, and the Explore feature allows you to find users in specific areas worldwide.
For foreigners visiting Japan for travel or study, this app is an excellent way to enjoy international interactions during their stay.
4.Jack’d
Sauce：Jack’d
Jack’d is a popular gay app used by over 5 million people worldwide, standing alongside 9Monsters and Bridge as a major player.
It has a large foreign user base, making it ideal for those wanting to connect with gay foreign visitors in Japan.
Using GPS, you can easily find nearby users, and messaging and profile viewing are free.
Premium membership offers ad-free browsing, anonymous viewing, the ability to see who’s interested in you, and unlimited matches, significantly improving match rates.
The app allows users to specify their position in their profiles, helping you confirm compatibility while searching for ideal matches.
It’s perfect for foreign gay visitors looking to connect with others in Japan.
5.Tinder
Sauce：Tinder
Tinder, a pioneer of the swipe function, is a globally popular dating app used alongside 9Monsters and Jack’d.
Available in Japan, it’s a great tool for foreign gay visitors to meet locals or other foreigners.
The swipe-based interface lets you intuitively select potential matches, which is a key attraction.
However, in Japan, some Tinder profiles may feature non-personal photos or bots, so careful discernment is necessary.
With patience and consistent swiping, you can find dates or connections.
It’s an excellent app for foreign visitors seeking casual encounters during their stay.
6.AMBIRD
Sauce：AMBIRD
AMBIRD is a Japan-based gay matching app, recommended for foreign gay visitors looking to connect with people who share their hobbies or values.
Like 9Monsters and Jack’d, it’s easy to use, and you can send unlimited likes daily, ensuring you don’t miss out on potential matches.
Its appeal lies in offering around 5,000 communities, such as “I love hot springs” or “Let’s go for yakiniku”, allowing connections based on shared interests.
Profile setup and community selection are straightforward, making it accessible even for non-Japanese speakers.
It’s perfect for those seeking serious relationships or partners.
7.BRO
Sauce：BRO
BRO is a Japan-based matching app for not only gay men but also bisexual and straight men, making it a great choice for foreign gay visitors.
Like 9Monsters and Jack’d, it offers intuitive operation, and its character settings make it easy to find matches that align with your preferences.
With users of diverse sexualities, it allows connections free from rigid labels.
It’s important to confirm the other person’s intentions before engaging, but the app supports a wide range of needs, from casual encounters to finding a partner.
Profile creation and search functions are user-friendly, making it easy to navigate even for those unfamiliar with Japanese.
How to Choose a Gay App in Japan
For gay individuals to meet their ideal partner, selecting the right matching app or dating service is crucial.
Here, we’ll introduce three key points for choosing recommended dating and matching apps for gay users.
1.Prioritize Apps with a Large User Base
To enjoy gay dating efficiently, it’s important to choose a popular app with a large number of users.
Since gay men are a minority in the general population, apps with fewer users reduce the chances of meeting your ideal partner.
For foreign visitors and others looking to connect with many people, first check the app’s registered user count.
Apps with a large user base make it easier to find matches based on hobbies, personality, or age.
For example, popular dating apps in Japan have millions of registered users, creating an environment where gay individuals can connect efficiently.
These apps are beginner-friendly and appealing for expanding your range of connections.
2.Use Gay-Specific or Same-Sex Search-Compatible Apps
To meet your ideal partner, it’s recommended to use gay-specific apps or matching apps that support same-sex searches.
Gay-specific apps are exclusively for men, eliminating female users and allowing you to find gay partners efficiently.
However, the number of gay-specific apps in Japan is limited, which can restrict options.
On the other hand, matching apps used by both men and women often support same-sex searches, enabling men to connect with other men.
Foreign visitors can use these apps to efficiently connect with gay men in Japan, significantly expanding their opportunities for meaningful encounters.
3.Choose an App That Matches Your Dating Goals
To meet your ideal gay partner, selecting an app that aligns with your dating goals is essential.
Dating and matching apps cater to different purposes: some are designed for casual connections like making friends or finding short-term partners, while others focus on serious relationships or finding a life partner.
Using an app that doesn’t align with your goals can make it harder to build the desired relationship or even result in fewer matches.
For foreign visitors looking for gay friends or potential partners in Japan, first clarify the type of relationship you’re seeking before choosing an app.
This approach helps you find your ideal match more efficiently.
Precautions for Safely Using Gay Apps in Japan
Here are three key precautions for safely using gay apps in Japan:
- Ignore trolling or malicious teasing
- Prevent personal identification through location data
- Avoid being identified through profile content
Let’s go through them one by one.
1.Ignore Trolling or Malicious Teasing
When using gay apps, it’s important to ignore trolling or malicious teasing without reacting.
Some users may engage with gay men out of curiosity or to relieve stress.
While app operators take measures, it’s impossible to completely prevent such messages.
If you encounter trolling or harassment, the wisest approach is to avoid responding and use the block or report functions.
This is crucial for avoiding mental stress and enjoying safe interactions.
For foreign visitors, it’s best to steer clear of such users and use the app casually.
2.Prevent Personal Identification Through Location Data
When using gay apps, be cautious about personal identification through location data.
Many modern apps offer features like “search within a 1km radius,” which make it easy to find nearby users but also carry the risk of being identified by friends or acquaintances.
If you haven’t come out or don’t want others to know you’re using the app, turn off location sharing or set the range to a minimum.
By adjusting these settings, you can protect your privacy while safely enjoying connections.
Foreign visitors are also advised to use the app cautiously to avoid unwanted exposure.
3.Avoid Being Identified Through Profile Content
When using gay apps, take care to avoid being identified through your profile content.
Since profile information can be viewed by many people, avoid including details that could identify you in your bio or profile.
For example, refrain from mentioning specific details like the area around your accommodation.
For those who haven’t come out, there’s a risk of your sexuality being revealed to acquaintances through your profile.
Foreign visitors are also recommended to create profiles with minimal information to safely enjoy meeting others.
4 Ways to Meet People in Japan Besides Gay Apps!
Here are four ways to meet people in Japan outside of gay apps:
- Marriage consultation services
- LGBT social events
- Gay-specific matchmaking parties
- Bars frequented by gay individuals
Let’s explore each one in detail.
1. Marriage Consultation Services
In Japan, there are marriage consultation services available for gay men.
Services like Rizali, which supports serious partner searches, and Bridge Lounge, which facilitates meetings for marriage through matchmaking, are notable examples.
These services typically operate on a monthly subscription model, costing around 10,000 to 15,000 yen per month, making them suitable for those willing to invest in finding a long-term partner.
Foreign visitors can also use these services to seek serious connections safely in Japan.
However, they may not be ideal for those on short-term visits or seeking casual encounters, so caution is advised.
2. LGBT Social Events
In Japan, LGBT social events are held in various locations beyond gay bars or clubs.
These events are popular as natural settings for same-sex connections and provide a safe environment for foreign visitors to interact.
Men-only events, in particular, are exclusive to gay men, allowing participants to relax and enjoy conversations or connections without unnecessary concerns.
Since these events bring together regular gay individuals rather than staff, they often lead to friendships or romantic relationships built on equal footing.
However, mixed bars or show bars aimed at tourists may not always be suitable for meaningful connections.
For those seeking serious encounters, LGBT social events are highly recommended.
3. Gay-Specific Matchmaking Parties
Gay-specific matchmaking parties are gaining attention in Japan as a way to meet others.
Unlike general rainbow events, these parties are exclusively for gay men seeking serious partners, ensuring that participants share the same intentions from the start, which allows for efficient connections.
The ability to meet face-to-face and engage in conversation offers the reassurance of gauging someone’s vibe or values, which can’t always be conveyed through photos or profiles.
However, these events may require some courage for those who find initial interactions or self-promotion in public challenging.
For foreign visitors, these parties offer a valuable opportunity to engage with Japan’s gay community while seeking meaningful connections.
4. Bars Frequented by Gay Individuals
Visiting bars popular among gay individuals is an effective way to meet others in Japan.
Areas like Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ni-chome or Osaka’s Doyama are renowned as Japan’s leading gay districts, home to numerous gay bars.
These bars provide a relaxed setting to enjoy drinks and conversations, making them ideal for making friends or finding romantic prospects.
Many of these establishments warmly welcome foreign visitors, offering a chance to connect across language barriers.
However, since the atmosphere and clientele vary by bar, it’s important to find one that suits your preferences.
These bars are also perfect for tourists wanting to experience Japan’s LGBTQ culture while forming new connections during their trip.
Conclusion: Safe and Enjoyable Connections with the Right Gay App in Japan
First, when choosing a popular gay matching app in Japan, it’s crucial to select one that aligns with your goals.
Apps like 9Monsters and Grindr have large user bases, making them convenient for finding partners or making friends.
However, neglecting to manage location data or profile content can lead to privacy risks, so always prioritize safety.
Beyond apps, options like marriage consultation services or matchmaking parties are ideal for those seeking serious partners.
Additionally, gay bars and social events offer relaxed settings to build natural connections.
By choosing apps and in-person opportunities that suit your personality and goals, you can create more fulfilling encounters.
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