
Majority say a guy just has to do one thing, and no, it’s not “be handsome.”
Even more so than putting presents in stockings or goodwill towards men in your heart, Christmas in Japan is primarily about putting a romantic date in your schedule. Christmas Eve, in particular, is the country’s biggest date night, with couples heading out to admire the seasonal decorations, dine at fancy restaurants, and eat strawberry-topped cakes.
So once December rolls around, many single Japanese start sifting through their romantic prospects in search of someone to spend December 24 with. With this in mind, Japanese romance Internet portal Aikatsu posed a question to its single female users, asking them what criteria a man would have to meet for them to accept a Christmas Eve date invitation from him.
Replies from the 589 respondents were divided into five categories, with five percent of the women polled saying they’d only go out with their ideal Prince Charming, and another 15 percent who are only interested in spending Christmas Eve with a guy they feel they could have a serious relationship with.
Moving towards less stringent requirements, 10 percent of the women said they’d accept the invitation from a guy whose looks (specifically his facial appearance) and personality match their preferences. Even less picky were the 13 percent who said they’d go out with a guy as long as they didn’t feel an instinctive revulsion to him.
But even after all those votes were tallied, the majority, 55 percent, of the replies were left over for the group that said they’d accept a Christmas Eve date invitation from any guy.
Now, it’s worth remembering that the survey was done through a website that focusses on relationship topics and advice, and as such the participants are likely a bit more proactive in perusing romantic opportunities than the public at large. Still, it’s a reminder that a guy doesn’t always have to be perfect in order to get a date, but he probably does have to be confident enough to ask for one.

40 percent of Japanese women in survey say they’d be OK with a “Christmas Eve-only” boyfriend
More than half of Japanese men in survey spent Christmas alone, women more likely to be OK solo
Less than one in four surveyed Japanese men has a girlfriend, over one in three women has a beau
Japan’s Christmas plans are pretty chill this year, survey shows
Roughly 40 percent of single Japanese men in their 20s have never been on a date, survey says
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Can you eat lunch in Tokyo for less than 500 yen?
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Asakusa’s Yoi no Yoi bar crawl is one of Tokyo’s best local nights out
Starbucks Japan unveils new S’mores Frappuccino and latte for Christmas 2025
Japanese mom physically subdues man who groped her schoolgirl daughter
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Japanese women reveal how far they’ve gone in “stalking” a guy they like in survey
30-minute protest march held in downtown Tokyo by dateless men opposing Christmas Eve dates
Is it OK to split the bill on a date in Japan? Survey asks what women and men of different ages think
Survey asks Japanese women if they could date a man who earns less money than they do
11 ways to have a great Christmas date…when your date is a bowl of instant noodles
What are the most and least attractive hobbies for Japanese men and women? Survey investigates
Survey asks Japanese women if they’d rather date a guy who’s experienced with women or not
Nearly half of young Japanese men in survey have never had a girlfriend, zero-boyfriend women rise too
Japanese college women pick between men who’re short and handsome or tall and plain in survey
How much do Japanese men and women pay on dates? Survey finds large gap
Survey asks Japanese women if they could marry a man who’s rich but ugly
Man selling ring intended for girlfriend who dumped him gets no sympathy from potential buyer
Japanese Valentine’s Day surveys: women likely to succeed at confessing, men split on chocolate
Tokyo Cancel Christmas protest march cancelled by Revolutionary Alliance of Unpopular Men
How do Japanese women feel about going Dutch on a date? Survey investigates, finds gap
Survey shows more Japanese married men, single Japanese women cheating on their romantic partners
Japanese women reveal their ideal kiss scenarios【Survey】