Generally, a single man and woman who know each other organize the gōkon in advance, each agreeing to bring three or four eligible friends.
[3] The term gōkon comes from the Japanese words konpa (a party for members of a single group, class, or club) and gōdō ("together", "combination").
Generally speaking, gōkon are not primarily intended to result in one-night stands (something more associated with nanpa), but rather for making new acquaintances and possibly forming long-term relationships.
Typically groups of men and women will sit opposite each other and converse with one another, while simultaneously whispering discussions with their same-sex peers about which potential partners they find attractive.
"[1]According to a San Diego Union-Tribune article: [The Concept] is part of a growing trend in the lucrative online dating market – harnessing the power of friends.