paters is the largest sugar dating app in Japan, with over 2 million members by the company's own count. It's the default first choice for many users, though men pay more here than on most rivals.
In this review:
- What paters costs for men and women
- How its age verification and moderation work
- Whether you can register as a foreign resident
Note: Japanese sugar dating apps require a Japanese mobile number and a government-issued ID for age verification. If you live outside Japan, you generally won't be able to register.
What is paters?
paters is a Japanese matching app for papakatsu (lit. "daddy activity") — dating built around companionship and financial support between consenting adults. It launched in 2017 and is the biggest service in this space.
Every user must pass age verification with a government-issued ID. Anyone under 18 is barred, as required by Japanese law.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operator | 株式会社paters (paters Inc.) |
| Launched | 2017 |
| Members | 2M+ (company figure) |
| Typical age range | 20–45 |
| Price | Men |
Prices are as of writing. USD figures are rough conversions at about ¥150 to the dollar. Always check the app details page and the official site before signing up.
How much does paters cost?
Men pay around ¥12,000 (~$80) a month; core features are free for women. That puts paters at the top of the price range. SugarDaddy runs about ¥8,000 and Love& about ¥8,600.
Longer plans lower the monthly rate, so the gap narrows if you plan to stay a while. Pricing can change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
Is paters safe?
paters is a common first pick largely because its safety measures are clear:
- Government-issued ID required for age verification (18+ only)
- Round-the-clock moderation
- A badge showing which members have verified their identity
- Reporting and blocking tools
No app can make you fully safe on its own. Don't share personal details early, meet in busy public places the first time, and never send money in advance.
Can foreigners use paters?
Yes, if you live in Japan. You'll need a Japanese mobile number for SMS verification. A passport or residence card (zairyu card) usually works for the ID check.
If you're outside Japan, registration generally isn't possible. The app is also built for Japanese speakers, so expect most profiles and messages to be in Japanese.
Drawbacks
- The most expensive option for men. If budget matters, compare it with cheaper apps first.
- Members cluster in big cities. Outside Tokyo, Osaka and other major cities, the pool shrinks fast.
- More mismatched messages. A large user base means more contact from people whose goals don't match yours. State your expectations clearly in your profile.
Who paters suits — and who it doesn't
Good fit
- First-timers who want the most established app
- People living in a major city
- Anyone who prioritizes safety features
Not a good fit
- Men trying to keep costs down
- People outside major cities
FAQ
Can I use paters without ID?
No. Japanese law requires ID-based age verification before you can start messaging. Users under 18 cannot register.
Do women have to pay?
At the time of writing, core features are free for women. Pricing can change, so check the official site before registering.
Can I sign up from outside Japan?
Generally no. You need a Japanese mobile number for SMS verification. Foreign residents in Japan can usually pass the age check with a passport or residence card.
Verdict
paters offers the best balance of member numbers and safety features in Japan's sugar dating market. Men pay a premium, but in big cities you won't find a larger pool.
If cost is a concern, look at SugarDaddy (¥8,000) or Love& (¥8,600). If you're looking for people in their 20s, consider Paddy. See our ranking page for a full comparison.