“Goukon,” gatherings at which men and women can find a partner, are frequently held. Goukon started out as mixers held through inviting respective friends, but nowadays businesses that host goukon have appeared, and various kinds of goukon are being held. In addition, many local municipalities host goukon to revitalize their towns. Men and women pay a fee to participate and at the arranged venue they search for a partner, while drinking and eating food. The other day I met a man who has participated in goukon many times. When I asked him “Did you find a partner?” he said laughingly, “If you look at my face you’ll know the answer.” Admittedly, he couldn’t be described as handsome, but he’s a pleasant young man with a good sense of humor. When I said, “Well then, have you outgrown goukon?” He said, “Not at all! A blind goukon is scheduled soon and I have high hopes.” According to him, there is a system to dispel preconceptions, in which men and women are blindfolded. Then they talk with several members of the opposite sex, if both parties are attracted, the blindfold is removed and the couple has a meal together. The participation fee is more than double that of a conventional goukon, but, proficient in the art of conversation, he seemed confident. I met up with him again after some time had passed and asked him about the result. He said “Many people came to the venue; I hit it off with a woman and enjoyed myself very much.” And said, “To my surprise, when she took off her blindfold, I was very happy as she was the kind of beautiful woman that I like.” He continued, “Though I sent a mail to the address she gave, it bounced back and, though I had given her my address, no mail came from her.” I said without thinking “I might be speaking out of turn, but perhaps the woman is a fake participant hired by the host?” Then he said, “But I was able to enjoy the conversation of such a beautiful woman and it was much cheaper than the high prices they charge in bars for such a thing. I’ll definitely take part in the next one. (From May issue, 2014 / 2014)