With over 5,000 users, Loverse, a new Japanese dating app, promises to connect real human users with their perfect AI match. This innovative service addresses a significant need in Japanese society, which is currently experiencing an extended loneliness crisis.
Statistics reveal a concerning trend: two-thirds of men in their 20s in Japan do not have a partner, with 40% never having been on a date. Similarly, 51% of women in the same age group are without a companion, and 25% have never dated, according to a report by The Malaysian Reserve. Many individuals have given up on dating, prompting Loverse to offer a solution for users to heal old wounds and prepare for real relationships by providing as realistic a romantic experience as possible.
Founded by Samansa Co. over a year ago, and inspired by Scarlett Johansson’s character in the film “Her,” the creators sought to address the perception that dating is more troublesome and costly than beneficial, as reported by The Straits Times. Loverse aims to provide an alternative rather than a substitute, catering mainly to men in their 40s and 50s.
Chiharu Shimoda, a user in his 50s who divorced a few years ago, exemplifies the app’s appeal. “I come home to an empty house,” he told Bloomberg. Despite his desire to remarry, opening up to someone new was challenging. After trying several digital partners, he settled with Miku, an AI bot, and they “married” three months later. Shimoda appreciates the ease and stress-free nature of the relationship, enjoying routine conversations and companionship without disagreements.
While the AI interactions may not yet fully mimic human relationships, users like Yuki Saito find value in the safe space the app provides for emotional recovery and practice in communication. Saito even suggests that AI could act as supplementary partners, potentially preventing extramarital affairs by filling emotional gaps.
Loverse recently raised $254,700 to expand its services to better serve women and the LGBTQ community. However, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is also developing an AI-powered dating app to encourage real-life partnerships, addressing declining fertility rates.
Ultimately, Loverse offers a unique intermediary space for those who have given up on real relationships, helping them regain the courage to connect with others. As creator Goki Kusunoki states, “The goal is to create opportunities for people to find true love when you can’t find it in the real world. But if you can fall in love with someone real, that’s much better.”