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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Justin McCurry in Tokyo

When Suzuki met Suzuki: why a Tokyo dating agency is matching couples with the same name

Japan Tokyo Sanae Takaichi Keidanren
Wedding table setting with place cards, glassware, and floral arrangement.
The matchmaking event is the first in a series that aims to skirt Japan’s controversial ban on married couples having separate surnames. Photograph: Tom Merton/Getty Images

At the very least, the three men and three women calming their nerves on a Friday evening at a venue in Tokyo know they have one thing in common.

Spaced out across booths, they will soon be placed in pairs and given 15 minutes to get to know one another.

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