The search for love is about to get a government-sponsored boost in Japan.
With a drop in marriage rates and a corresponding decrease in the country's birth rate, the government has launched a new initiative called "Tokyo Futari Story."
This initiative aims to connect couples, or "futari," in a country where it's becoming increasingly common to be alone, or "hitori."
According to health ministry data, the country's birth rate has hit an all-time low due to fewer marriages.
Not only are birth rates falling, but there has also been a double increase in the death rate over the past two years, with 1,590,503 deaths and only 758,631 births.
In the previous year, there were 474,717 marriages down from 504,930 in 2022, while births totalled 727,277, down from 770, 759.
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During the so-called "baby boom" era of the 1970s, Japan recorded more than 2 million births a year. But it seems only a few Japanese are interested in old-style marriage or having children.
A city official said on Thursday that "while a site offering counsel and general information for potential lovebirds is online, a dating app is also in development, and it should be launched later this year, accessible through phone or web.”
Based on the country's capital unmarried rates, 32% of 50-year-old men in Tokyo are unmarried, while 24% of the same age bracket of women are equally single.
Though the details are still uncertain, some Japanese reporters have said that the app will be asking very specific and personal questions for those wanting to use it.
The users will have to submit documentation proving they are legally single, and before being able to use the app, they will have to sign a letter stating they are willing to get married.
Additionally, a tax certificate slip to prove the annual salary will be mandatory.
The app will connect users to a potential match based on all the personal information.
In a bid to ease the dating-to-marriage process, the Japanese government budgeted 300 million yen (nearly $2 million) to support young people in getting married and having children in 2024 through phone applications.
This budget was 100 million yen more than the 2023 budget, indicating the pressing demand of the government to increase Japan's population.
Street in Tokyo Japan | Thomas La Mela / Shutterstock.com
The Tokyo City Hall is also sponsoring events where singles can meet, and couples can get counselling on marriage.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also promised special policies, including financial aids for families, easier child care support, and more parental leave for those wanting to start a family.
With Japan's shrinking population and decline in birth rate, whether the dating app will be an effective solution to the demographic challenge remains uncertain.
Some citizens may accept the initiative while others may be sceptical of the government's involvement in personal matters.
Regardless,this project represents an effort by the government that could have a lasting effect on Japan's economy and society.