From the Wall Street Journal, a story of a Japanese resort town that is nimbly adapting to a modern world:
“This resort town, once popular with honeymooners, is turning to a new breed of romance seekers—virtual sweethearts.
In Love Plus, a Japanese dating simulation game, players experience young romance with a virtual girlfriend. Some have even taken their beloved avatars to an island resort — a real island resort. WSJ’s Akiko Fujita takes a tour of Atami.
Since the marriage rate among Japan’s shrinking population is falling and with many of the country’s remaining lovebirds heading for Hawaii or Australia’s Gold Coast, Atami had to do something. It is trying to attract single men—and their handheld devices.”
Are there American dating simulation games?
Looks like there are some – but they appear to be lamely dull or overly realistic (Ciao Bella is so realistic it’s about a woman who’s trying to manage her busy schedule so she has time for dating).
And American towns inviting virtual dates to enjoy their warm hospitality?
Not that we’ve found – but maybe when the dating simulation games improve, so will the hospitality. Or maybe it’ll happen when the virtual girlfriends can get more vacation time.
