There is only one thing I hope you will take away from this message:
Not “someday,” but now.

As the year comes to an end, I invite you to pause for a moment and gently ask yourself: Have you been putting your life—or your search for a partner—on hold?

This is why I am writing to you today. Why am I so intentional about the word “now”? The answer comes from my own experience over the past few months.

Saying Goodbye to My Father Taught Me This

At the end of this November, my father passed away.

I had sensed that his time might come, so I returned to Japan on October 13.

While continuing my work, I spent my days accompanying my father during his hospital stays and supporting my mother by his side.

Because I chose to act early, I was able to spend my father’s final days with him, together with my family in Japan.

That time was not something I was “given by chance.”

It was valuable time I had because I acted when I needed to act.

Life has limits.

And those limits do not wait for our schedules to clear.

TJM’s Events, Made Possible by the Support of Many

Our international matchmaking event in Tokyo on November 8–9 was held during this very period.

To be honest, there was a real possibility that the event might not happen due to my personal circumstances.

At the same time, the father of our partner matchmaker in San Francisco was also hospitalized, and many of us involved were dealing with serious family matters.

Still, we did everything we could to ensure the event would not be disrupted.

Staff members came all the way from Melbourne, Australia and from Niigata, Japan to support us, and because of their dedication, preparations continued.

Thanks to the support of so many people, the event was held successfully.

From my heart, I would like to thank everyone who made this event possible.

Choices Made Possible by Family Understanding

In the end, I stayed in Japan for over two months, leaving my husband and son in the United States.

My family accepted this decision without hesitation and with warmth.

I am deeply grateful to them.

International marriage is not only about crossing borders.

It is about sharing responsibilities, emotions, and family realities with one another.

This experience reminded me once again how important mutual understanding truly is.

“I Can’t Move Right Now” Often Becomes Permanent

In matchmaking—especially for people in their 50s and 60s—I often hear this phrase: “I have reasons, so I can’t move right now.”

Parents.
Siblings.
Family responsibilities.

I understand how complex these issues are. Truly, I do.

But there is something I have learned over many years as a matchmaker: People who say “not now” often find themselves saying the same words five, ten, or more years later.

Thinking alone does not move life forward.

For Your 50s and 60s, There Is No “Someday”

This may sound difficult to hear, but it is reality.

In your 50s and 60s, there is no “someday” when it comes to marriage.

Only those who act continue to have choices.

Only those who make a decision open the door to the next chapter of their life.

That is why I say this again and again:

Please act—now.

The People Who Act Are the Ones Who Find Love

At our November event, women who were truly serious about marriage came from all over Japan. Men joined us from across the United States and around the world.

Many traveled long distances, giving their time and energy.

I could clearly see their determination.

As a result, real matches were made, and some couples are now one step closer to marriage.
Connections do not grow by waiting.

They grow where there is action.

In 2026, Life Changes for Those Who Act

At TJM, we are preparing an international matchmaking action plan for 2026.

We will share the details through members-only study sessions.

You don’t have to struggle alone.

Reach out to us for assistance and get ready to make positive changes in your life.

One Last Thought

Life is finite. So are opportunities for love.

Not “someday.”

Do it now.

As the year comes to a close, I hope you take this moment to reflect honestly on your life.
Connections happen when you act.

With warm wishes,
Naoko Matsumoto (まつもとなおこ）
FOUNDER & CEO
Traditional Japanese Matchmaker

Traditional Japanese Matchmaker is the best dating and matchmaking service that is specialized for single international professionals and Japanese women established in 1999. Please click the link below to get started with TJM’s Free Registration if you are truly interested. We look forward to assisting you in finding your Japanese wife.

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