Forget Tinder, DNA matchmaking claims to have love down to a science
- A growing number of lonely hearts are tapping into genetic testing in their search for a soulmate
- Some governments see it as a fix for low birth rates, but experts warn that the science is far from conclusive
Ayumi Miyazaki had tried many dating options over the years. From singles parties to swiping right on Tinder, nothing seemed to work for the architect, 37, living in the Japanese city of Kawasaki.
Finally, in 2017, she decided to hand her romantic destiny over to science, and let a laboratory choose her ideal match.
She joined Gene Partner Japan, a Tokyo-based DNA matchmaking service which claims it can match couples based on genetic compatibility. A saliva swab was taken from inside Miyazaki’s cheek, and, one DNA test and two years later, she is now happily engaged to Shun Orihara, a 34-year-old manager who was living in Yokohama. And all for just 36,000 yen (US$330).
Miyazaki and Orihara were part of a growing number of Japanese love-seekers tapping into DNA matchmaking, an emerging niche market within the genetic testing industry.
“Gene Partner introduced me to two men, and, based on their DNA results, only one was compatible with me,” Miyazaki said. “The man who I was compatible with is now my fiance.”
