
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
Foreign tourists in Japan eat far more rice than previously thought, according to new data
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
JR releases prediction of peak Shinkansen crowdedness for Japan’s Obon travel season
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Life-size Legendary Pokémon Mega Rayquaza digitally greeting travelers at Tokyo train station [Vid]
Maximum entry fee for sento public baths in Tokyo increases slightly for adults next month
Starbucks Japan releases new “Afterword” collection that gives coffee waste a second life
Japan has a maid hotel you can stay in, and it’s now taking reservation applications
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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
Man selling ring intended for girlfriend who dumped him gets no sympathy from potential buyer
Survey asks Japanese women if they could marry a man who’s rich but ugly
Tokyo Cancel Christmas protest march cancelled by Revolutionary Alliance of Unpopular Men
Japanese Valentine’s Day surveys: women likely to succeed at confessing, men split on chocolate
How do Japanese women feel about going Dutch on a date? Survey investigates, finds gap
Does a guy lose all chance with a Japanese woman if he doesn’t pay for the first date?【Survey】