Inspired by reality TV, 40 Singaporeans are flying to villa in Japan to find love

The participants will not have met before going on the four-day, three-night trip

- Shermaine Ang

In a few weeks' time, five women and five men will be flying to a villa in Japan on a trip inspired by South Korean reality television series Single's Inferno.

The participants will not have met before going on the four-day, three-night trip, and will share a room with those of the same gender, as in the show.

They are paying $1,111 each for a yacht trip, an Osaka day trip and an activity of their choice such as Universal Studios Japan and tea ceremony in Nara, among other things.

Around 40 Singaporeans have signed up for three such trips, planned by Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts design practice student Leo Ching Ling, 24, and business owner Ric Ang, 50.

The pair, who met while Ms Leo was interning at a company Mr Ang was working in, have held around 10 social mixers around the numerology theme since August 2024 under their events brand Until 1111. Their parties offer compatibility readings, tarot card readings and purpose-infused crystal-making.

Numerology is a practice that assigns a number to individuals based on their birthdate and name. The belief is that these numbers hold insights into personality, life path and potential.

The parties are some of the latest initiatives to help sparks fly among singles, offering an alternative to dating apps.

Others include singles pitch nights and dating mixers bringing games seen on platforms like YouTube and TikTok to the public.

These events tend to be small-scale, with guests vetted for a more intimate setting.

The idea for the trip came when Mr Ang's friend, who owns a villa in Japan, reached out to him to collaborate.

Ms Leo said that they shared the idea on TikTok, and many expressed interest.

"A trip together would be a good chance to create a core memory with each other, as well as a potentially long-lasting relationship."